Success Stories

In 2011/12 the Scottish Government’s main research providers (MRPs) share £50M for research. Their innovations have been shown by independent studies to contribute to the economy and build businesses with the potential to drive future growth. Success Stories brings to life specific examples of how the organisations in knowledgescotland use Scottish Government support to bring economic, environmental, social and health benefits to Scotland and beyond.

Richard Lochhead Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment said: “Innovation is crucial to ensure Scotland’s vital food and agriculture sectors continue to flourish. The success stories highlighted today demonstrate the strength and breadth of the world class research being carried out in Scotland. However, the projects also have a practical application which will deliver benefits throughout the food supply chain and boost these important sectors of Scotland’s economy.”

First class transport for animals

The welfare of animals in transit is a major public and political concern. Research by SAC and collaborators has formed the basis for improvements in the design and operation of livestock transport vehicles and improved transport practices. Read more

Published on 19 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Developing a British blueberry industry

There is an un-met demand for UK grown blueberries (only 1-3% of requirement met) as currently growers cannot provide the right material for the market place. Read more

Published on 18 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

New crop disease? It's under control!

Ramularia leaf spot (RLS) is a new disease causing reductions in barley grain yield and quality. It was only identified in Scotland in 1998 but research by SAC has already provided farmers with the means to tackle it. Read more

Published on 17 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Fruitflow™ gets health claim status from EFSA

Fruitflow™ is a patented, scientifically-proven tomato extract which inhibits platelet aggregation, a known cause of heart attack, stroke and venous thrombosis. Read more

Published on 16 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Spreading the word on legumes

Research by SAC on legume based crop rotations has led to an increased awareness and understanding of their benefits. SAC's research has encouraged more farmers to adopt legume based rotations, particularly as nitrogen fertiliser prices remain high. Read more

Published on 15 July 2011 in Sustainability and Communities

Wildlife links with Johne's

Johne's disease in cattle is notoriously difficult to control and is estimated to directly and indirectly cost the UK in the region of £27 million a year. Groundbreaking SAC research has led to the expansion of knowledge of the wildlife that can carry paratuberculosis, the cause of Johne's. Read more

Published on 10 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

From bugs to drugs

Research undertaken contributed to significant advances in understanding of how human gut microbes influence gut health and inflammatory bowel disease. Read more

Published on 9 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Breeding the future dairy cow

Research by SAC has led to the national adoption of new breeding goals for dairy cattle that improves the health, welfare and economic performance of livestock in the UK and beyond. Read more

Published on 8 July 2011 in Sustainability and Communities

Healthy and environmentally sustainable diets

The Livewell project has demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to create a realistic and affordable diet that meets dietary requirements for health and a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by limiting the quantities of food high in greenhouse gas emissions, such as meat and dairy products. Read more

Published on 7 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Breeding gains for the sheep sector

SAC research has been fundamental in the development, implementation and enhancement of UK sheep improvement programmes. It has brought about significant genetic and economic improvements across all sheep industry sectors, estimated to be worth £17.8 million. Read more

Published on 6 July 2011 in Sustainability and Communities

Fuller for Longer for health

Data from human studies at the Rowett Institute, which demonstrated the effectiveness of protein-enriched diets in the control of appetite and subsequent weight loss, were used by Marks and Spencer plc to develop their Simply Fuller Longer™ (SFL) range of calorie-counted meals and snacks. Read more

Published on 5 July 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Nitrous oxide - the forgotten greenhouse gas?

SAC has identified agricultural systems and management practices that minimise emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Read more

Published on 1 July 2011 in Climate, water and energy

Raspberries in the rain

Research by The James Hutton Institute has led to the first molecular marker assisted breeding system for the raspberry, allowing the selection of those seedlings that can naturally resist Phytophthora root rot, the major raspberry fungal pathogen which impacts particularly badly in wet seasons. Read more

Published on 29 June 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Improving sow and piglet welfare

SAC research on birthing (farrowing) sows and newborn piglet survival has provided major contributions to improved animal welfare, economics, housing design, EU legislation and guidelines for keeping pigs. Read more

Published on 25 June 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

A New Climate for UK agriculture

Research by SAC has led to the definition of clear greenhouse gas reduction targets for the agricultural sector in the UK and led to the first greenhouse gas budget developed for the sector. Read more

Published on 24 June 2011 in Climate, water and energy

Lamb 'get up and go'

Research by SAC has led to the development of genetic tools to improve lamb survival. Behavioural traits that are important for lamb survival, such as lamb 'get up and go', can now by measured quickly and simply on farm, using scores based on lamb behaviour. Read more

Published on 23 June 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing

Improving the diagnosis of endemic livestock diseases

Moredun Research Institute has developed a diagnostic test for sheep scab which can accurately diagnose infestation before clinical signs are seen, therefore increasing livestock production efficiency and help reduce the carbon emissions from agriculture. Read more

Published on 22 June 2011 in Sustainability and Communities

Where's the beef?

Research by SAC has led to the adoption of new breeding systems for beef cattle that improves the health, welfare and economic performance of livestock in the UK and beyond. Read more

Published on 21 June 2011 in Sustainability and Communities

Strategies for super soils

Research by SAC into how soil structural quality is influenced by crop type, machinery and animals has led to the adoption of improved management of crops and livestock. Read more

Published on 20 June 2011 in Ecosystems and biodiversity

Safeguarding the health, welfare and sustainability of livestock through vaccination

Novel vaccine technology developed by research scientists at the Moredun Research Institute is helping Scottish producers maximise the productivity and profitability of their farmed livestock, whilst at the same time contributing towards improved welfare and sustainable livestock farming. Read more

Published on 19 June 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing