Emma Cuttance

Emma is a veterinary epidemiologist and co-founder of EpiVets, where she combines her love of animal welfare research with a strong focus on study design, governance, and practical solutions for the rural sector. With a background as a dairy veterinarian, Emma brings real-world farming experience to her research, ensuring that outcomes are both scientifically robust and relevant to end users. She holds a Master of Veterinary Studies in Epidemiology and a PhD investigating calf failure of passive transfer and mortality. Her expertise includes designing and managing studies under GLP and GCP principles, as well as navigating ethics, logistics, and governance within the research landscape. Based in Pirongia, Emma balances her professional life with family adventures alongside her husband, four children, and a lively menagerie of animals. When she’s not immersed in research or leadership, she can often be found running and enjoying the outdoors.
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Livestock research under real farm conditions

Ten things I have learnt from conducting animal research

Part 1: Nature does not read our protocols!! One of the difficult truths about production animal research is that the biggest variable in your study may not be the treatment. It may be spring. Or rain. Or pasture quality. Or the fact that half your cows calved two weeks later than expected because biology did

Cattle grazing during methane reduction study

Lessons from methane reduction studies in grazing livestock

Methane reduction technologies for livestock are continuing to attract a lot of interest globally. There are so many fantastic companies developing feed additives, boluses, vaccines and microbiome approaches. Either companies have an interest in pastoral farming from the outset, or they develop their products in mixed ration feeds first, and then move to pastoral systems.

tika ethics sheep

Common Reasons Animal Ethics Applications Are Delayed

Obtaining animal ethics approval is an essential step in all research and teaching activities involving animals in New Zealand and Australia. However, delays in the ethics approval process can significantly impact project timelines, funding schedules, milestones, and research delivery. Understanding the most common issues encountered during review can help researchers prepare stronger applications and improve

Greenhouse Gas Research - Cows

Sample Sizes For Clinical Studies In Greenhouse Gas Research

Determining the right sample size for greenhouse gas studies can make or break your research. This article explains how statistical power, confidence, effect size, and variability influence results, helping you design efficient, credible, and animal-friendly studies.
tika ethics farm

Animal Ethics Approval Required: Even for ‘Just Trying Something Out’

Thinking of “Just Trying Something Out” on animals? You still need approval from an Animal Ethics Committee. How exciting!! You are developing a new supplement, treatment, or gadget that could change the game for animal health or welfare. You are enthusiastic and keen to put it to the test – maybe starting with a small trial