Title: sheep and cattle traceability - the impact of environmental and other factors on ear tag loss in Scotland
Invitation: you are being invited to take part in a study that will help researchers at SRUC explore ear tag losses in sheep and cattle in Scotland. We are keen to hear the views of all livestock keepers: however large or small their herd or flock; and however high or low their level of tag losses.
This work is supported by the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (Ref. SRUC-A2.5). This form has been approved by SRUC's Social Science Ethical Review Committee (ref. 66/47145693).
What will happen: if you decide to take part you will be asked: i) about the number and type of livestock that you have; and ii) to give your best estimate of the number of lost tags in your herd and/or flock over the last 12 months. We are also interested in collecting your feedback on the factors you believe are influencing tag losses in your stock.
Time commitment: in pre-testing, the questionnaire took 15-20 minutes to complete.
Participants' rights: you may decide to withdraw from this research at any time. You can skip a question if you would rather not answer it.
Benefits and risks: By taking part in this study, you will be helping us to develop a better understanding of ear tag losses in Scotland. There is no known risk in taking part.
Cost, reimbursement and compensation: your participation in this study is entirely voluntary.
Confidentiality: individual participants will not be identified. Outputs may include reports to the Scottish Government, academic journals and trade press. Data will be held securely for the duration of the programme and archived thereafter. All data will be managed according to SRUC's Privacy Policy (Privacy policy, GDPR & cookies | SRUC).
Further information: the project team will be pleased to answer any questions about this study. They may be contacted by: writing to Ear Tag Loss Project, Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health (CEPH), Dept. of Veterinary and Animal Science, SRUC, An Lochran, Inverness Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA; calling 07871 062471; or e-mailing eartagloss@sruc.ac.uk.
Consent: by proceeding with this survey you are confirming that you have read and understood this Participant Information and you are taking part in this research voluntarily.