THE BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is currently taking place in the RDS, from January 6th – 9th.

This year the exhibition will celebrate its 52nd year, making it one of the longest standing exhibitions of its kind in the world.

There are 11 equine-related projects in the 2016 BT Young Scientist exhibition. The majority of equine-related projects are in the Biological and Ecological category, however, a group of three students, Laura Casserly, Abbie Lyons and Kerrie Doonan, from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Meath are doing their project on the bonds created through horses with autistic children and how the children can develop physically, mentally and socially from that bond. This project will be in the category with the highest amount of entries - the Social and Behavioural Sciences category.

COMBATING DEHYDRATION

Megan Fitzgerald from Presentation Secondary School Clonmel was in conversation with Anthony Jordan of The Irish Farmers Journal to discuss her project which is based on how ammonia affects horses through water. Speaking to Anthony, Megan explained that “Ammonia gas burns the delicate tissues of the respiratory tract and the eyes and can lead to respiratory problems. It can also contaminate water and deter horses from drinking”. Megan has developed a prototype to absorb ammonia from the atmosphere with the aim of reducing the negative effects of ammonia on horses. Megan’s prototype uses silica to absorb the ammonia gas a concept she owes to her uncle. Megan hopes that by taking part in the BT Young scientist competition she can raise awareness about the negative effect ammonia has on horses.

PROJECT GOES GLOBAL

Kate (15) and Annie (14) Madden from Loreto College on St Stephen’s Green won second prize, last year, for their project which focused on encouraging horses to eat by adding various flavours to their feed.

This project led to the Madden sisters setting up a business called FenuHealth which is now exporting throughout Europe, the Middle East, Qatar and New Zealand. Their product has been tested and approved by the Olympic Council, FEI, the Turf Club and the Jockey Club.

This year the Maddens are undertaking a project which looks at the treatment of gastric ulcers in horses.

There are some excellent equine projects entered in this year’s competition and we wish all of the participants the very best of luck.