Dumfries dairy research among cream of the crop

The world's longest-running study into breeding the ideal dairy cow has received recognition.

It has won Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.

It recognises nearly five decades of research involving the college's pedigree dairy herd based in Dumfries.

SRUC Principal Prof Wayne Powell hailed it as highlighting the college's "unique contribution to scientific excellence, impact and innovation".

The prize was awarded to the institution as a whole but the submission was built around the long-term dairy genetics study based on its Langhill dairy herd.

Established in Edinburgh in the early 1970s and based in Dumfries and Galloway since 2002, the herd has been described as a "unique international resource for dairy cattle genetics".

Studies have provided valuable data on issues including milk yields, fertility, welfare standards and dairy farming's impact on climate change.

Prof Powell said: "Being awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize is a huge honour for everyone at Scotland's Rural College and reflects both the quality of our research and the commitment of our staff.

"The Langhill herd serves as a perfect example of the broader picture of our world-leading research.

"One of SRUC's core strengths is making scientific discoveries and translating them into meaningful improvements, not only for the rural communities of Scotland, but for the entire world."

He said he hoped the award would cement the college's reputation as a "centre for innovative and educational excellence".