Methods of superovulation, embryo recovery and embryo transfer were adapted and developed for application to Welsh Black cattle in a Group Breeding scheme. Three methods of oestrus detection in early postpartum suckling beef cows were evaluated. None was entirely reliable although a probe for the measurement of the electrical resistance of vaginal mucus was the most effective and the least stressful. The postpartum interval to superovulation did not affect the responses to treatment. The effect of suckling on embryo quality from superovulated Welsh Black cows was investigated. Three groups of cows (one dry and two suckling) were superovulated and their embryos recovered in two seasons; summer and autumn. Significant effects of season (P=O.016) and suckling (P=O.015) on embryo quality were detected. Season significantly affected the number of viable embryos (P=O.004). There were no effects on ovarian responses or on the numbers of embryos recovered. Nutritional supplementation and the administration of heG failed to improve embryo quality. Examination of the data from three years of superovulation and embryo recovery revealed significant monthly variations in % viable embryos (P=O.006) and in the numbers of viable embryos (P=O.02) recovered. Embryo recovery was not affected by the catheter used or by the side of uterus being flushed. The number of pari ties of the donor affected the ovulation rate (P=O.009) and the numbers of embryos recovered (P=O.028) but not the embryo recovery rate (%). No differences were detected in the superovulatory responses of cows bred by 3 methods nor from the method of oestrus synchronisation. Embryo transfers were performed by surgical and nonsurgical methods. Fresh and frozen embryos were successfully transferred by the surgical technique but no embryos transferred nonsurgically continued development. A measurement of cervical diameter was successful in identifying animals which were unsuitable for non-surgical embryo transfer and recovery procedures. n-Alkanes as nutritional markers for intake estimation were applied'to cattl~ in a performance test and to cows at pasture. The results obtained indicate that the method may be useful in the future development of selection methodologies for beef cattle. The findings of both series of investigations are discussed in relation to beef cattle improvement through Group Breeding schemes.

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Research was undertaken to investigate the demographics of the pet population in a local community. A sample of the general dog population and owners was then compared with a sample of relinquished dogs and their surrendering owners, to identify dog and household characteristics associated with canine relinquishment to an animal welfare centre (AWC). The investigation was carried out in Strathclyde Region, Scotland. A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted to establish the pet owning status of a randomly selected sample of households. The dog and cat populations were then estimated by extrapolation of results to local census data. Using an area based approach, the association between deprivation, community setting and pet ownership were assessed using available census data. A Geographical Information System approach was applied to the data to display the spatial distribution of pet ownership in Strathclyde Region. Dog owning households identified by the telephone survey were invited to participate in a second study. This case-control study compared information regarding dog and household characteristics of these successful owners (controls), with a sample of unsuccessful dog owners and their pets (cases). The control sample was assessed by mailed questionnaire. Case households were selected by AWC staff at the time of relinquishment and data collected using self-administered questionnaires. Results revealed that 36.1% of households were pet owners, with dogs and cats being the most prevalent species owned. The canine population of Strathclyde Region was estimated to be 248,649 and the feline population estimated to be 170,044. These dogs and cats were owned by an estimated 185,589 and 121,235 households, respectively. Deprivation and urban communities were negatively associated with pet ownership. A sample of 360 of the dog owning households agreed to participate in the second study. Based on a response rate of 89.2%, 321 of these households returned usable questionnaires. Comparison of data from these questionnaires with data obtained from 49 case households revealed that several factors were associated with relinquishment. Although certain dog characteristics were identified as important, most of the predisposing characteristics were owner-related. Uneducated, inexperienced dog owners who impulsively acquired their dog for little cost, were more likely to relinquish their pet after a short duration of ownership because of inappropriate care expectations, lack of planning and the dog failing to meet their expectations. Surprisingly, dog behavioural problems were no more prevalent in relinquished animals. These data were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Variables retained in the final model associated with relinquishment included ownership of a small mammal pet, no history of previous pet ownership, young dogs, mixed breed dogs, lack of veterinary care, short duration of residence in the present home and absence of a garden. The study identified several risk factors associated with canine relinquishment, many of which could potentially be modified to decrease the numbers of animals abandoned at AWCs. Use of the multivariable logistic regression model could enable the assessment of the likelihood of future relinquishment. In particular, application of the model in AWCs could decrease the number of adopted dogs that are subsequently relinquished.

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