Animal Scientist
Born 17 February 1938.
Died 28 October 2014.

A prominent animal scientist who, with Gordon Hemingway and James Parkins, developed the first intra-ruminal bolus for cattle to prevent mineral deficiencies.

Connection to the University of Glasgow: Lecturer
GU Degree: BSc, 1959;

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Achievements

The following achievement is associated with Norman Ritchie:

Preventing mineral deficiencies in cattle
Rumen boluses, designed to lie in the reticulum of ruminant animals, can supply vital dietary elements or drugs to cattle and sheep without the need for daily supplementation in feeds.

Biography

Norman Ritchie (1938-2014) was a Lecturer in the Department of Animal Husbandry in the Vet School from 1962-1988 and then on a part-time basis until 1991.

Ritchie studied at Hillhead High School before matriculating at the University of Glasgow to study Agriculture. He graduated with First Class Honours in Agricultural Chemistry in 1959 before going on to research for a PhD.

With colleagues Gordon Hemingway and James Parkins, he designed the first slow-release intra-ruminal boluses to prevent mineral deficiencies in cattle. Their device was patented by the University of Glasgow and remains the only bolus that supplies a sustained dietary supplement of all seven trace elements and the three fat soluble vitamins required by ruminant animals. Many millions of these products have been sold worldwide.