In this episode, Kerri interviews her co-host, Sophie, about being a pioneering researcher in sheep welfare, focusing on her groundbreaking work on sheep dental disorders that are highlighted in her recently published paper called Incisor Disorders of Merino Sheep (Ovis aries). They discuss the often overlooked species within welfare research, policy, and care standards, despite being part of human history for thousands of years.

Sophie shares her passion for sheep and the importance of understanding their welfare needs, emphasizing the need for more research in this area. She also talks about the industry preference for white wool, and how her farm has become a sanctuary for black, brown and grey sheep that are often discarded.

They discuss the challenges of on-farm slaughter, how transport  prior to slaughter is the norm for most producers, and how transport times can have a negative impact on sheep welfare, especially those that involve live export between countries via ship.  Live sheep export bans have been put into place in the UK and are expected to be implemented in Australia within three years. 

This episode is a primer for listeners that tune in for the next AIT episode: an interview with Katia Colitti about her paper called Sheep fatigue during transport…..Lost in translation? .