Now Available!

The Veterinary Sperm Reporter (VSR) and The BullApp are now available – a novel and bespoke fertility evaluation and reporting software system, comprising a cloud database, a mobile app and report generator to use when semen testing bulls.

We have published a new guide to accompany the VSR and The BullApp to aid use of the app throughout bull testing season.

Available on both Android and iOS devices (mobiles and tablets), the VSR & The BullApp were founded and developed by Roger Cunningham (North Park Vets, Devon) in association with MerlinVet UK, in particular David Taylor & Robert Anderson.

The equipment was trialled at the Bull Fertility Testing Training Day at Bassendean Farm at the end of April, which we discussed here – while the sperm collection was facilitated safely and effectively through the Pulsator V, the most advanced electronic bull ejaculator available, the data was input via The BullApp, including scrotal measurements and sperm analysis.

The BullApp package contains the Veterinary Sperm Reporter (VSR) supported by a cloud database and certificate generator, while the app itself features touch screen drop-down lists, photo/video uploads and a ‘morpho counter’ to complete morphology counts.

Aims of the app:

  • Facilitate recording of all your bull evaluation information simply and intuitively using The BullApp on a mobile device
  • Upload videos & photos
  • Reduce time spent on administration
  • Facilitate morphology counting, recording and presentation of results via the touch screen counter
  • Input by drop-down lists & sliders so minimal typing is required
  • Automatically generate a customised certificate based around current BCVA format, which can be downloaded, printed, or uploaded into your practice PMS.
  • Record & store data in the cloud VSR database (data can be recorded offline first & the device will sync when WiFi is available)

The software is currently going through external testing and is performing extremely well with the system ready to roll out to practices, while the app is due to contain an in-built issue reporting mechanism to ensure continual improvement in the app’s operation.

Pricing & Further Information

The complete package of The BullApp, VSR database, cloud storage and support will be priced via an annual practice fee of £100 (up to 30% multi-practice discount available) with an evaluation fee of £3.00 – £4.00 depending on the bundle purchased.

The app is available as a Freemium download, allowing users to try all of the features. Full access will require practice registration.

A similar parallel app is planned for recording ram testing, which we will announce in due course.

A word from the Founder of VSR and The BullApp, Roger Cunningham:

“The idea for The BullApp came from the frustration of mislaying bits of paper, filling out numerous repetitive forms, missing deadlines for handing certificates to farmers, forgetting to put the data into a spreadsheet for auditing etc… BCVA Congress 2021 was the first opportunity to demo a working prototype and gather some feedback, which was all extremely positive. The whole system has now been used by some selected practices and their feedback incorporated into updates.”

Our guide showcases all the aims of the app, how the app is used, pricing and future developments. View the full guide here.

Visit The BullApp website to find out more information.

Download the app:

iOS

Android

The MerlinVet E-JAC is a battery-operated self-contained electro-ejaculator designed for collecting semen from small ruminants.

The E-JAC Ram Probe features:

  • rechargeable battery with USB charger
  • ergonomic design, suitable for all hand sizes
  • high-low setting allowing versatility when collecting semen from different breeds, ages, and species
  • lightweight with rubberised handle
  • precision control on/off button & power on light
  • protective carrier case
  • one year warranty
  • specialist electrode technology

We are proud to state that the unit will operate for around 500 rams on a single charge.  There is no need to recharge until the reserve power light illuminates, then leave overnight to charge. The Merlin Vet E-Jac is designed for use by veterinary surgeons. The Ram E-JAC was developed with Lane Manufacturing, who have been setting the standard in the manufacture of large animal reproductive equipment and supplies since 1972.

If you’re attending this weekend’s Floors Castle Horse Trials (12th – 14th May 2023), keep an eye out for the jump that we have sponsored alongside RelyneGI this year – it’s going to be hard to miss in Relyne’s iconic purple branding!

For extra points, see if you can also spot us in the programme brochure!

Floors Castle Horse Trials

Floors Castle Horse Trials is taking place this weekend in Kelso, Scottish Borders. The three phases of competition will be on show at the event, Dressage, Show Jumping, and Cross Country. The Show Jumping and Cross Country will be taking place in the main field along the River Tweed. Classes include CCI3*S, CCI2*S, Intermediate, Novice, BE100, BE90, BE80, U18 and Open classes. Additionally, there will be a dog show that visitors can enter, as well as a shopping village and food and drink area.

For more information, including tickets, please click here

About RelyneGI:

Recommended and used by veterinary surgeons and professional horsemen, Resolvet RelyneGI is the choice for natural gastric support. It comprises a blend of high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid & yeast extract formulated to support gastric health in horses.

RelyneGI is a natural formula, developed by the world’s leading veterinary scientists at Hagyard Pharmacy and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in the USA. Recommended by vets and professionals alike, Relyne GI is an advanced liquid supplement that delivers effective support for the equine digestive system.

Find out more here

Role Overview

MerlinVet-cel is hiring for the role of Group Business Manager covering Central England. This is a full-time, permanent position, which is ideally suited to somebody with experience of sales in the veterinary sector. This role has been created given our continued growth and seeks to maximise opportunities in the Central England area. Though this is primarily a sales role, you will be expected to fulfil other duties that affect the veterinary sector. This is a challenging, exciting, but rewarding opportunity for a self-motivated person.
  • Hours: This role is full-time, working 40 hours a week. Travel is essential in this role, and you would be expected to occasionally represent the company at industry events which may take place on a weekend
  • Location: Central England/Midlands, United Kingdom
  • Salary: Competitive – DOE
  • Start Date: Summer 2023
  • Essential Requirements: 3+ years’ experience in sales in the pharmaceutical, health, or veterinary sector

Key Responsibilities

This is more than just a sales position – the successful candidate must have a solid understanding of how a practice operates and what they need to thrive; this role requires knowledge of the full spectrum of issues affecting veterinary practices on a regular basis, including sales, staff issues, health plans, IT, and much more. This position’s responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

  • Acquiring new customers in the Midlands/Central England area
  • Assisting in the delivery and rollout of the organisation’s health plans service
  • Supporting our existing members
  • Maintaining relationships with partners and negotiating support deals
  • Developing our sister companies within the membership, along with non-member practices
  • Representing the company at events, utilising networking skills to form new partnerships

Required Experience & Skills

The successful candidate must be:

  • Experienced within the veterinary industry, with direct experience in either veterinary practice, veterinary wholesale, or veterinary manufacturing
  • Adaptable – this is crucial to success in the role, as the position covers so many areas of veterinary support
  • Highly organised with good leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently when required and as part of a team
  • Passionate about the veterinary sector and animal welfare/agricultural sector

The successful candidate must have:

  • An understanding of the veterinary and pharmaceuticals sector, including how medicinal products are purchased and sold
  • 3+ years’ experience within the veterinary, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or related industry
  • Wholesale and/or sales experience

You will bring your own experiences to the role, where your input, opinions, and suggestions will always be listened to and valued. This role offers a high degree of autonomy, and you will help shape our activity as our team thrives on knowledge-sharing across all parts of the business.

Who will I be working for?

MerlinVet-cel is the country’s oldest Veterinary Buying Group servicing independent veterinary practices. MerlinVet-cel is much more than just a buying group though; we provide support for independent practices of all sizes across the UK, improving businesses’ profitability through competitive rebates and reduced administration costs. MerlinVet-cel is based in Kincardine, in the heart of Scotland. As this role is a mixture of home and field-based, you will occasionally be expected to travel to the office in Scotland.

MerlinVet-cel forms part of MerlinVet Group, which comprises a bespoke wholesaler, import/export business, buying group (MerlinVet-cel), health plan provider, and anaesthetic gas exposure monitoring service. By listening to the needs of vets we provide products, services, business solutions and support needed to run efficient and profitable practices. All parts of the Group work together to realise our ambitions.

Benefits

  • Competitive Salary (dependant on experience)
  • Friendly and welcoming office, culture & team environment
  • Generous holiday allowance
  • Pension
  • Company vehicle
  • Computer & mobile phone
  • Be part of an experienced team in an innovative and growing company

Equal Opportunities

MerlinVet-cel is an equal opportunities employer, and we embrace the benefits that a diverse workforce brings. We welcome applications regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability or medical condition, ethnicity, race, religion, family status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by appropriate law.

How do I apply?

Please email a copy of your CV and cover letter to MerlinVet-cel’s Company Secretary, Chris Bainton, by 23:59 on Friday 2nd June:

[email protected]

MerlinVet-cel Website

On Wednesday 26th April 2023, Robert Anderson, Company Director at MerlinVet, led a training session for Galedin Vets Staff at McDougal Farms, Bassendean.

The training focused on bull fertility testing, in particular sperm collection and analysis, taking scrotal measurements, and inputting data via The Veterinary Sperm Reporter (VSR) Bull App, which will be featured on the MerlinVet website in due course. In order to facilitate a safe, effective, and efficient method of collecting sperm, Robert and the Galedin Vets used the Pulsator V, the most advanced electronic bull ejaculator available. This is available to purchase via the MerlinVet website (see below).

Take a look through our gallery of images from the bull fertility testing below.

 

Please take a note of our opening hours for the Bank Holidays during May 2023.

Monday 1st May – CLOSED

Monday 8th May – OPEN

Monday 29th May – CLOSED

However you’re spending your May Bank Holidays, whether that be snoozing or munching or partying, have a great time off. You can still order as usual through our website here

 

Please take a note of our Easter Hours.

We will be closed entirely on:

Good Friday – Friday 7th April 2023

and

Easter Monday – Monday 10th April 2023

We will be back open as normal on Tuesday 11th April 2023.

The last day for guaranteed pre-Easter delivery for refrigerated orders is Monday 3rd April 2023.

We wish all those celebrating a very Happy Easter.

Responsible Person (Quality Manager) – Veterinary Wholesale (Permanent, Part-Time)

MerlinVet is hiring for the role of Responsible Person (Quality Manager). This job is ideally suited to somebody who is a qualified pharmacist (or vet) with knowledge of the pharmaceutical and/or veterinary sector.

  • Hours: This role will be part-time working two days a week with the potential for the job to increase hours as the role develops
  • Location: Kelso, Scottish Borders

The Responsible Person/Quality Manager will be tasked with continually improving systems and ensuring our business processes, policies, and procedures adhere to and comply with Good Distribution Practices (GDP).

MerlinVet is licensed by the MHRA, VMD, Home Office and Food Standards Scotland, and as such the key responsibilities of the Responsible Person/Quality Manager are listed below.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Host and report on regulatory inspections
  • Maintain the Quality Management System & ISO 9001 Accreditation
  • Ensure Good Distribution Practice (GDP) compliance
  • Write, review and/or authorise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Ensure training programmes are implemented, maintained, and recorded
  • Perform internal audits and oversee training
  • Perform due diligence checks on customers and suppliers
  • Quality check product recalls and returns

Required Experience & Skills:

  • Pharmacy degree or relevant degree in life sciences
  • Working knowledge and practical experience of VMD and MHRA regulations, ideally with time spent in distribution or dispensing of pharmaceuticals
  • Quality Management System (QMS) maintenance experience to ensure maintaining ISO 9001 accreditation – particularly in a healthcare, pharmaceutical or veterinary industry
  • Understanding of the veterinary and pharmaceuticals sector, how medicinal products are purchased and sold, and an awareness of how to handle, transport, store, and distribute medicinal products.
  • 3+ years’ experience with pharmaceuticals or in a related industry
  • Highly organised individual with good leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently when required and as part of a team

Desirable Skills:

  • Passionate about the veterinary sector and animal welfare/agricultural sector
  • Wholesale experience
  • Experience in distribution of veterinary products and controlled drugs

Who will I be working for?

At MerlinVet, we comprise a bespoke wholesaler, import/export business, buying group, health plan provider, and anaesthetic gas exposure monitoring service. By listening to the needs of vets we provide products, services, business solutions and support needed to run efficient and profitable practices.

Equal Opportunities

MerlinVet is an equal opportunities employer, and we embrace the benefits that a diverse workforce brings. We welcome applications regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability or medical condition, ethnicity, race, religion, family status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by appropriate law.

For a full job description please click here

How do I apply?

Please email a copy of your CV and cover letter to MerlinVet’s Managing Director, David Taylor by 23:59 on Thursday 6th April:

[email protected]

Alternatively, apply directly through Indeed here

 

As we move into March, we thought we’d share with you the seasonal products that can help your veterinary practice during 2024’s lambing and calving season.

Ewe-Go Energy & Calcium Drench for Healthy Ewes

  • Twin lamb disease (low blood pressure) and low blood calcium are common problems in ewes before lambing and distinguishing between the two can be difficult, with ewes suffering from one problem being likely to be affected by the other to some extent.
  • Ewe-Go is a complementary feed containing energy and calcium for combatting twin lamb disease and low blood calcium.
  • Ewe-Go contains both energy sources (glycerol and propylene glycol) and calcium. The energy sources are converted to glucose by the ewe meaning all the energy is available to the ewe. It also contains calcium chloride as a source of calcium in the gut.
  • Comes in flexi-packs so any drenching gun can be fitted for easy administration.

Priced at £16.40 for a 1L bottle.

Order now here

 

Ultra Dri Disinfectant Powder

Ultra Dri is a general purpose absorbent, dry disinfectant powder with a pleasant aroma, containing a DEFRA approved disinfectant, which enables it to act as an effective bactericide, fungicide and viricide. Ideal for lambing pens, cattle cubicles or stables.

  • This bedding powder is designed for use in calving and lambing pens (as well as for poultry)
  • It contains a fast acting, broad spectrum, DEFRA approved disinfectant, which is non-caustic & doesn’t dry or damage the cows’ skin
  • Acts as a powerful ‘drying’ agent on the bedding in straw yards and on cubicles
  • Effective against bacteria, viruses & fungi
  • Remains active for up to 1 week
  • Absorbs moisture to help keep beds dry
  • Reduces ammonia
  • Non-irritant; contrary to lime, Ultra-Dri Gold doesn’t burn
  • Effectively kills most pathogens within 5 mins
  • Continues working from day to day to provide effective control of bacteria
  • Improves general hygiene of cubicles and bedded pens
  • Perfect when faced with severe outbreaks of mastitis, very high somatic cell counts and other challenging situations
  • Can be used for all classes of livestock including pigs, poultry, sheep & horses
  • Can be used as a dairy cubicle bedding powder, on straw yards, calving boxes, calf pens & dry powder footbaths

View full product information for:

Cattle & Sheep

Poultry

A pallet (40 bags) can be delivered, but quantities below 40 must be collected locally. 

Order now here

If you’re on our website and reading this, you probably already know that it’s quicker, simpler and easier to order any products directly through our website, rather than via phone.

But in case you weren’t aware, here’s the easy steps for placing an order through MerlinVet UK.

Simply follow these steps:

  1. Go to merlinvetuk.co.uk
  2. Log into your account (register if you’ve not already done so)
  3. Place your order and upload the SIC if required

What are the benefits over ordering by phone?

  • It’s straightforward, fast, and user-friendly
  • It’s quicker than via the phone or emailing us
  • You can view all of our products and prices in one place

If you do have any questions then please feel free to get in touch via the usual methods.

Make sure you’re aware of product news by signing up to receive news here or by following us on social media: