Hi I'm
Dr Holly Ferguson

I am a Precision Dairying Scientist, based at SRUC’s Dairy Research and Innovation Centre in Dumfries. I have loved cows since I was a child (showing Highland cows competitively!), which led me to study Highland cattle genetics during my undergraduate degree, in Zoology. This led to my PhD at University of Glasgow in ruminant health and nutrition, with a focus on acidosis.

I joined SRUC in 2018, and since then have been involved in a wide range of projects with national and international colleagues. Much of my work focuses on the use of precision livestock farming tools, such as animal-mounted sensors, for monitoring and improving animal health, welfare and production and innovative dairying systems, like cow-with-calf. I’m also interested in the ruminant microbiome, exploring this in cattle and sheep during my PhD. My other interests include use of sensors for monitoring positive welfare in cattle – can we tell how happy a coo is? I also really enjoy the KE aspect of projects, getting research out there to farmers and industry, and making a difference.

When not at work, you can find me out exploring with my golden retriever, Hudson, or doing something creative whilst listening to music. I love folk music and sit on the committee of the Orkney Folk Festival – you’ll find me there every May!