BSAS 2024: The role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy

Colin Smith

James Taylor

BSAS Undergraduate Thesis of the Year Award 2024 is open!

Do you have animal science and related subject students that deserve special recognition?


The BSAS Undergraduate Thesis of the Year Award 2024 competition is open to universities and colleges that have students participating in animal science related courses.
The award looks to acknowledge the best of undergraduate research and offers the winner the opportunity to have a summary of their work published on the BSAS website. The prestigious award aims to demonstrate the quality of animal science students and their work globally, to both academic nd industry audiences.


To enter this competition, you are invited to submit up to 2 entries showcasing the highest quality theses or dissertations, submitted in 2024, from your animal science students. We are accepting theses on a diverse range of subjects,
covering any species companion, livestock or zoo, in all fields of animal science.
 

SCOPE
• Areas and specialisms related to the welfare and productivity of farm animals to help produce quality, safe and environmentally sustainable food
• Animal health and welfare
• Management of equine, companion and captive zoo animals
• Only theses adhering to this stated scope will be considered

 

Opportunity to present at the BSAS Annual Conference 2025
• Abstract written in Proceedings
• Complimentary BSAS 2025 Annual Conference Pass
• £150 towards travel and accommodation
• Thesis will be summarised for publication in the BSAS Fledgling Bytes series and a profile piece ont he winner will be included in the BSAS newsletter.
 

For further details and guidelines please visit: bsas.org.uk/awards/undergraduate-thesis-of-the-year-2024

Deadline: 31st July 2024

Thesis of the Year

Animal welfare of grazing ruminants and its relationship with sustainability

Livestock farming, especially ruminants like sheep and cattle, plays a crucial role in rural landscapes by providing essential services such as nutrition, soil health, biodiversity management, and support for local communities. However, this industry has become a topic of societal debate due to concerns about animal welfare, the impact of consuming animal products on human health, and the environmental footprint of livestock production. Achieving sustainability in this complex landscape requires careful consideration of economic, environmental, and social factors, along with the inherent trade-offs. Therefore, exploring the intricate relationship between animal welfare, including the Nutritional, Environmental, and Health Domain (NEHD) and the Behavioural and Mental State Domain (BMSD), and the economic, societal, and environmental pillars of sustainability within grazing ruminant systems is necessary.

Grazing, which aligns with the natural behaviour of ruminants, is considered more welfare-friendly. However, disparities arise due to management practices and environmental conditions, prompting a need for equilibrium between NEHD and BMSD. While grazing emerges as a competitive and sustainable system for dairy cows, challenges persist, including seasonal variations, genetic considerations, and the fulfilment of natural feeding behaviours. The impact of grazing on cow welfare, particularly in terms of BMSD, remains a relatively unexplored aspect, warranting further research and attention. The delicate interplay between NEHD and BMSD in grazing systems highlights the nuanced challenges faced by livestock farmers. Grazing allows animals to express natural behaviours and provides space for exercise, yet concerns linger about disease detection, nutritional adequacy, and exposure to unpredictable weather. This intricate relationship underscores the interconnected dimensions of animal welfare, economic viability, societal demands, and environmental impacts.

High animal welfare is identified as a linchpin for livestock farming success, influencing productivity and overall economic performance. While enhancing welfare may incur increased production costs, opportunities for win-win scenarios exist, such as extending the grazing season, positively impacting both economic returns and BMSD welfare. Initiatives like 'Milk from Happy Cows' and 'Pasture for Life' exemplify the symbiosis between economic returns, animal welfare, and successful marketing strategies. Beyond dairy, synergies between animal welfare and farm productivity also extend to meat production in pasture-based systems. These systems are marketed as 'natural' and 'quality', which align with consumer preferences. However, interventions aimed at boosting productivity may pose challenges to animal welfare. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider and maintain a delicate balance that ensures both profitability and ethical standards, especially in larger operations.

The ability of animals to optimise their nutrient efficiency through self-selection of diets represents a synergy, since potential environmental benefits can arise. However, pasture alone may not meet performance expectations. This necessitates using supplementation to fulfil genetic potential, which can impact emissions intensity.

Synergies between animal welfare and the environment are particularly evident in silvopastoral systems. Integrating livestock and trees in these systems enhances animal welfare, biodiversity, and microclimatic conditions. This showcases positive behaviours and reduces stress. The broader environmental benefits associated with nutrient distribution and soil health further emphasize the importance of holistic approaches in sustainable grazing ruminant systems.

When it comes to addressing societal needs, the focus shifts to delivering accessible, high-quality nutrition through grazed pastures. Products from these systems have an enriched nutritional profile, offering beneficial fats and fat-soluble vitamins. However, challenges such as reduced iodine concentration in pasture-based organic milk highlight the need for a delicate balance between meeting nutritional quality and societal demands.

Production methodologies, especially in pasture-based systems, face scrutiny in the context of marketing strategies targeting discerning consumers. While these strategies may allow for premium pricing, the discussion emphasizes the need for societal considerations to ensure that high-quality nutrition remains accessible to all. Grazing livestock not only meets nutritional needs but also fulfils additional societal requirements related to rural access, countryside stewardship, and supporting rural communities.

Viewing animal welfare as a system involving animals, caretakers, oversight bodies, stakeholders, and citizens highlights the complexity faced by the entire supply chain and society when it comes to agreeing on standards in this socially and ecologically interdependent system. Achieving sustainable livestock farming requires a holistic understanding and thoughtful integration of economic, societal, and environmental considerations.

 

By Jordana Rivero, Rothamsted University and Trustee of British Society of Animal Science

Thesis of the Year

Emily Hancock

John Gilliland

Georgina Chapman

SVS Autumn Conference

SVS Conference

23rd - 25th Sep 2024

MacDonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club

Monday 23rd – Wednesday 25th September 2024

At the MacDonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club, near Morpeth in Northumberland

SVS Spring Online Conference

Details coming soon

Quality Meat Scotland

CMVM / The Roslin Institute - Research Fellow

Job Info

  • Job Identification 9610
  • Locations Roslin Institute Building, Roslin, EH25 9RG, GB (100% On-campus)
  • Apply Before 15/04/2024, 23:59
  • Health and Safety Requirements Key hazards identified (plan is in place)
  • Criminal Record Check No criminal record check required
  • Contract Type Fixed Term
  • Number of Openings 1
  • Grade UE07
  • Organization Royal Dick Veterinary Studies, Royal Dick Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh University Group
  • Department The Roslin Institute
  • Job Function Researcher
  • Job Schedule Full time
 
 

Job Description

Research Fellow

CMVM / The Roslin Institute

Grade UE07 £37,099 to £44,263 per annum (A revised salary range for this grade of £39,347 to £46,974 is planned to take effect from Spring 2024)

Fixed term contract: funded to 17 April 2026

Full time: 35 Hours per week

 

The Opportunity:

The Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh is offering a postdoctoral position in the group of Prof Mike McGrew, one of the leading labs in genome editing technologies in bird species. This position is funded as part of an institution collaboration with a world leading poultry genetics company and the BBSRC. The project is to develop multiplex genome editing technology of chicken stem cells for the production of genome edited chicken. This project will advance the frontiers of genome editing in avian species by developing protocols to create multiple genetic changes in the genome of chicken.

The post-holder will be involved in the design of CRISPR/Cas9 experiments and reagents through to the analysis of genome edited chicken. Applicants should have PhD in Biological Science or related subject. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated and proactive individual with strong skills in either in genome editing of mammalian stem cells, chicken stem cells and use of DNA editing reagents. Expertise in micromanipulation of chicken embryos would also be useful. In addition, bioinformatics skills that could be applied to the analysis post editing cell/animal genome integrity using DNAseq data would be useful but training could be provided. 

The applicant will complete high quality original research and will disseminate the data in refereed papers, presentations and conference abstracts. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team as well as semi-independently are important, as the successful applicant will need to communicate their findings to stakeholders and industrial partners. 

 

Your skills and attributes for success: 

  • Experience in genome editing of stem cells
  • Micro-manipulation techniques of chicken embryos.
  • Experience with R or Python
  • Strong organisational, presentation and communication skills. Ability to generate good quality written reports in a timely manner.

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab) 

As a valued member of our team, you can expect: 

  • A competitive salary.
  • An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. 
  • To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
  • Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits. 

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. 

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role.  If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.  

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is on 15th April 2024.  

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. 

University of Central Lancashire - PHD Opportunity

PhD Studentship: Addressing hidden hunger through education and dietary diversification in a marginalised community in Northwest Pakistan

University of Central Lancashire - Health, Social Work & Sport

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Preston
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount: £19,237
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 6th March 2024
Closes: 12th April 2024
Reference: DTC12-22-23
 
 

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Centre for Global Development, within the Health, Social Work & Sport. The studentship is funded through the school and be part of the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (2024/25 rate £19237 per year) subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description:

Macronutrient deficiency is widespread in rural Pakistan (UNICEF, 2019), and our recent research has shown that dietary patterns are typically low in micronutrient density, and food insecurity is highly prevalent (Brazier et al., 2022). The proposed project outlined below will be undertaken in partnership with the Abaseen Foundation UK, a UK registered charity and Abaseen Foundation Pakistan, a PK Government registered community organisation.

A community kitchen and kitchen garden at the Mian Gul Model School for girls will soon be established by the Abaseen Foundation in collaboration with UCLan. The ambition is that this facility will serve three vital roles: 1) a nutrition education facility for students attending the school; 2) a demonstration kitchen and nutrition support facility for the community, targeting mothers with young children; 3) vocational cookery training facility for women.

The priorities of the aforementioned community kitchen project are:

  • Promoting good nutritional practices, with a particular focus on mothers and children during the ‘1000-day window’;
  • Providing micronutrients for young children and their mothers and de-worming drugs for young children
  • Providing micronutrients through food fortification for all (through promotion of use of biofortified flour).

The aim of the proposed project is to examine the efficacy of implementing nutrition education through the community kitchen, and to improve dietary diversity, thereby improving micronutrient intake.  The findings from this PhD will determine whether further such community-based nutrition education projects can/should be implemented in rural Pakistan to improve nutritional status amongst mothers and children, and resilience to future shocks to the food system as seen following the recent floods in Pakistan.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Nicola Lowe (nmlowe@uclan.ac.uk).

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

  • Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
  • Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
  • Campus – Preston Campus
  • Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-23 on the online application form.

Closing Date: 12th April 2024

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

Expected Start Date: 23rd September 2024

CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP

Royal Agricultural University - PHD Opportunity

We are welcoming applications from talented, ambitious and passionate individuals with a relevant postgraduate qualification to participate in an exciting new initiative focused on developing future leaders in the land-based sector. 

This unique opportunity combines a part time PhD programme of your choice with a teaching position delivering undergraduate teaching on our international and UK programmes. The teaching activity could include modules in sustainable agriculture, equine, food business, environment, and rural land management. 

You will be supported to develop an ambitious transdisciplinary PhD research programme that builds on RAU collaborations with industry, civil society and government on a topic relevant to the RAU's research strategy. A part time PhD will normally take 6 years (maximum 8 years). During this period you will benefit from a 50% full time equivalent of a UKRI tax free stipend. You will also receive a 50% full time equivalent salary for the teaching fellow element of the programme. Teaching tasks will include undergraduate modules and dissertation supervision related to your disciplinary expertise. You will also be supported through your PGCAP and application for Fellowship of HEA. 

After successful completion of the six-year PhD programme it is expected that you will be capable of securing an independent academic or industry leadership position either within the RAU or elsewhere. The PhD fees will be covered by the RAU whilst you remain in this position. If you choose to leave the position before completion of the PhD, the University will facilitate the self-funded completion of your PhD programme. 

We are seeking talented individuals that have the potential for academic or industry leadership. This will include a track record of excellent academic performance at undergraduate and postgraduate level. You will possess the interpersonal skills of a future leader including excellent communication, team working skills and a performance delivery mindset. You will be ambitious for your future career within academia, industry or government. You will also be passionate about making a positive difference in both your teaching and research activities. This passion will reflect the significant global challenges and opportunities facing the land-based sector such as the climate change crisis, biodiversity loss, adoption of technology, and thriving rural economies. 

The RAU is set in beautiful surroundings and offers a range of Staff Benefits including a 35-hour working week, a generous 30 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), pension scheme, free and guaranteed parking on campus, and free shuttle bus from campus to Cirencester town centre, discounted catering facilities, discounted onsite gym, free library services, employee assistance programme, occupational health and counselling services, cycle to work scheme and staff development opportunities. Further details of the full range of staff benefits available can be found on our website

For a full job description and details on how to apply please click 'Apply' above. 

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Olivier Sparagano- Dean of Agricultural Science and Practice Olivier.Sparagano@rau.ac.uk 

Closing date: 7th April 2024 with interviews on: 18th and 25th April 2024  

The RAU is an equal opportunities employer and we particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the RAU at this level

Teagasc PHD Scholarship Opportunity

“A solution-oriented framework for reducing the finishing age of Irish beef cattle”

Background: Reducing the mean finishing age of prime beef cattle from 26 to 22-23 months by 2030 has been identified as fundamental to achieving Ireland’s 25% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. Nationally, mean age at finishing is six-to-nine months later than achieved on grass-based beef research and high-performing commercial farms. To expedite a reduction in finishing, there is an urgent need to identify and quantify the key factors currently impeding Irish beef farms from achieving potential live weight targets throughout the animals’ lifetime. The Teagasc lead Beef-Quest Project, recently funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, aims to investigate the effect of nutrition, health and on-farm environment factors presently constraining animal growth performance and the finishing age of cattle on beef farms and to assess their impacts on GHG emissions. In collaboration with ICBF and UCD, this project will use data currently available within the industry. In addition, a new large-scale on-farm study is planned to generate new data.


Overall Beef-Quest will identify, quantify and rank the primary on-farm technical and behavioural-related bottlenecks negatively impacting beef cattle finishing age. Using this new information more targeted, high-impact and deliverable solutions can be proposed and disseminated to reduce the finishing age of cattle, thus improving the sustainability of Irish beef production.


Requirements: Applicants should have a primary degree (First or upper Second Class Honours) or a M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Animal or Agricultural Science, Biology etc.). The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for both field- and desk-based work. A full EU driving licence is also required. Proficiency in the English language is required. Please see the following link with regard to English Language requirements

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissionspoliciesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/


Award: A 4 year PhD Scholarship funded through by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine “Beef-Quest” project is available. The successful student will be registered at University College Dublin (UCD), but primarily based at the Teagasc Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Grange Co. Meath, Ireland, with complementary course work conducted at UCD.


The scholarship funding is €31,000 per annum and includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum and is tenable for 4 years. Further Information/Applications: For further information please email: alan.kelly@ucd.ie or paul.smith@teagasc.ie.
Application Procedure: Submit an electronic copy of a Curriculum Vitae, which should include a short personal statement and the names and contact details of two referees, by email to both: alan.kelly@ucd.ie and paul.smith@teagasc.ie.

Stephen Mansbridge

Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust invites applications for bursaries worth £20K

 

The Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust are now inviting applications for projects that will prioritise  improving the performance of British Agriculture and Horticulture covering:

-

  • The development and adoption of new technologies to improve productivity and product quality
  • New approaches to improve health, well-being and reduce environmental impact
  • Building and maintaining a premium brand identity
  • Initiatives to improve opportunities for people involved in agriculture and horticulture

 

Previous projects have covered Mindfulness, improving media communications for farmers, enhancing  public engagement,  farm-based community projects, mentoring farmers, Pod Casts on Time and helping Community Supported Agriculture.

 

A bursary of up to £20K is available with a deadline of 22 March 2024. 

 

Contact David at mail@davidgardner.org.uk or Mike mike.steelefpat@yahoo.com.   For further information of an informal chat

Simon Doherty

MSD

The Impact of infectious disease on livestock health

The Impact of infectious disease on livestock health

BSAS membership has expertise across a vast range of animal science disciplines, including animal heath and welfare.

Livestock health is a critical component of agricultural systems worldwide. Whether it's dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs, or poultry, maintaining the health and well-being of these animals is essential for sustainable farming practices. However, various factors, both infectious and non-infectious, can significantly impact livestock health, leading to economic losses, welfare issues and environmental concerns.

Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to livestock health. Pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause a range of sub-clinical and clinical conditions. Outbreaks of exotic diseases such as the recent cases of Bluetongue in the South of England and avian flu within poultry flocks are newsworthy. Arguably, however, endemic diseases such as mastitis in dairy cattle and salmonellosis in chickens have the greatest impacts year on year. These diseases not only affect the health and welfare of animals but also have significant economic implications for farmers. Production losses, such as reduced milk or meat yields, directly impact farm revenues. Additionally, expenses incurred for disease treatment and prevention measures further strain agricultural budgets.

Moreover, livestock health issues are often seen now within a One Health framework, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. In the setting of livestock production, this approach highlights the importance of addressing zoonotic diseases, which are infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Zoonotic diseases such as toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis and avian flu pose risks to both animal and human populations, in particular to those in direct contact with infected livestock and livestock products.

However, within the One Health context the environmental impact of livestock disease is often overlooked. Control of livestock disease is a win: win: win in terms of human health, financial viability but also environmental sustainability of the industry. The involuntary culling of sick animals that lead to the increased numbers of replacement animals, the costs associated with the production of milk discarded due to elevated somatic cell counts or maintenance of a pregnancy that results in a dead calf or lamb significantly contribute to environmental stressors such as land use, Greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste management.

Maintaining and improving livestock health is therefore paramount for the future of sustainable agriculture, with implications for production efficiency, farm finances, and the environment. Our members are working to build evidence to deliver knowledge for farmers to optimise the health of their animals. Our annual conference is a great place to come and hear what we are doing in this area.

Author: Nick Wheelhouse, Associate Professor in Microbiology at Edinburgh Napier University

Nutrition Society Congress 2024

Nutrition Society Congress 2024: New data – focused approaches and challenges

Details coming soon Nutrition Society Congress 2024: New data – focused approaches and challenges

Francis Lively

Kim Matthews

Dale Farm

AgriSearch

Margaret Gill - Sir John Hammond Winner (1992) Interview

The Sir John Hammond Award closes for nominations on 1st March. We caught up previous award winner, Margaret Gill, Emeritus Professor at the University of Aberdeen to ask her a few questions about working in animal science and receiving the prestigious award.

 

How did your interest in animal science and research first develop, and what motivated you to pursue a career in this field?

One of my uncles worked at the Rowett Institute in the sheep section and his wife came from a hill sheep farm, so despite growing up in Edinburgh I had exposure to sheep (and research) at an early age. The 1960s and 70s was also a time when global food security was recognised as an issue and caught my imagination. Studying animal science was a way of combining those two interest.

 

Can you share a specific project or study that you are particularly proud of, and how it has contributed to advancements in animal science?

My research career is a long time ago as I have been more involved in managing and advising on research projects and programmes in the last thirty years. The programme I am most proud of commissioning is one called Zoonoses in Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS), which was launched in 2012. It was developed while I was a Senior Research Fellow at what was then the Department for International Development (now part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Organisation) and attracted investment from 5 other public sector funders. We held initial workshops to bring researchers together with international research users (FAO, WHO and what is now the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)) to facilitate rapid uptake of research findings should an epidemic occur. We failed to anticipate Covid-19, but hopefully the closer relationship between researchers and those organisations was helpful during the pandemic.

 

The Hammond Award recognises outstanding contributions to animal science. What impact do you hope your work will have on the broader scientific community and society as a whole?

I received the Hammond Award in 1992, three years after moving from working at a Research Council funded Institute to working for an Institute owned by the UK Government’s Overseas Development Administration. When I made that move, a respected member of BAS told me that would be “the end of my career”! Receiving the award gave me confidence I had made the right move and I hope it reassured others that working on livestock in developing countries was a good thing to do!

 

How do you approach collaboration and mentorship in your career, especially in fostering the development of other women in animal science?

I am a passionate collaborator. Everyone sees the world, and indeed research questions, from a slightly different angle and we can all learn by acknowledging and understanding from how others see the world. One way of progressing towards a balanced view (which is essential for achieving a realistic understanding) is by having a diverse team or panel. I was fortunate that colleagues recognised that and put me forward for teams and advisory roles early in my career and I learnt from that. I try to create diverse teams and to encourage female colleagues to have confidence in their own abilities.

SRUC Research Associates in Dairy Food Science (two posts) Microbiological and nutritional quality of milk and dairy products

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) - Dairy Research & Innovation

Location: Dumfries
Salary: £35,267 to £40,836 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On: 22nd February 2024
Closes: 10th March 2024
Job Ref: ASWF/AGR/023/24
 
 

Working Hours: Full-Time (37 hours)
Contract: Fixed-term, 3 years
Location: Barony Campus , Dumfries

SRUC is unique in Scotland and one of the largest organisations of its kind in Europe. Our ambitious and exciting vision is to work at local, national, and international levels, leading innovation and sustainable development in agriculture and rural sectors.

Based in SRUC’s Dairy Research & Innovation Centre in Dumfries, these posts will support the production and further refinement of high-quality dairy products in South-West Scotland and Cumbria. Appointees will collaborate with the wide range of dairy processors in the region, as well as with microbiology, food safety and animal health experts across SRUC.

We will make appointments in two areas:

1. Microbiological assurance of milk and dairy products – work will include evaluation and refinement of hygiene practices on farm and/or in processing facilities. Appointees will develop and implement microbiological testing methods suited for use on farm (pathogens and contaminants) or in small-scale processing units.

2. Nutritional improvement of milk and dairy products – work on the detailed chemical composition of milk, assessment of effects on the processing characteristics and quality of dairy products. This may include analysis of the effects of changes in farm management and feeding practices linked to changes in microbiological or enzymatic processing. Examples include altering milk carbohydrate profiles, enhancing beneficial fatty acids or minerals, or probiotic alterations.

This is part of the new £21.3 million Digital Dairy Chain project led by SRUC, which is focussed on dairy industry developments in our region.

Appointment may be available as a Research Fellow for suitably qualified candidates.

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Particulars document which you must read before applying for this role.

Benefits / What you will get in return:

• Enhanced holidays
• Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

Springer Nature

Germinal

The Future Has Six Legs!

cover

We are excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new section in animal journal: 'Insects as Livestock.' Insects play a crucial role in shaping the future of animal production, and we invite you to contribute to this dynamic field.

Key focus areas of 'Insects as Livestock' include:

  • Breeding and Genetics
  • Nutrition
  • Physiology (Biology of tissues, growth, development, reproduction, productive processes)
  • Behavior and Welfare (including ethics)
  • Health Management (population medicine, preventive medicine, epidemiological approaches)
  • Production Systems and Sustainability (economic, social, environmental, and their interactions)
  • Quality of Insect-Derived Products (quality and safety, impacts of animal products on food security and human health)

Meet the esteemed editors of this section:

  • Section Editor: Laura Gasco, University of Turin
  • Deputy Section Editor: Stephen Mansbridge, Harper Adams University
  • Editor: Karol Barragan Fonesca, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • Editor: David Deruytter, INAGRO

Submit Your Work Now!

animal journal is renowned for publishing the best, innovative, and cutting-edge science related to farmed or managed animals. We welcome contributions from all species that are in, or contribute knowledge to, farmed and managed animal systems, including but not limited to cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, horses, rabbits, fish, and insects.

 

Not a BSAS member yet? Whether you're a seasoned researcher, a dedicated student, or a professional using animal science in industry or agriculture, your membership of BSAS connects you with a dynamic community dedicated to progress and collaboration.

Sign up here

EGGED - Edinburgh Gallus Genomics and Embryonic Development Workshop 2024

EGGED will bring together the world’s chicken embryology experts to share their skills and showcase the exceptional resourcefulness of the chicken embryo.

The workshop is open to researchers with a range of experience; from students and early career researchers to group leaders and principal investigators. The workshop will also provide an opportunity for scientists to share, learn and develop embryological techniques that use the chicken embryo and importantly, to shape the future of chicken developmental biology resources and approaches.

In 2022, this is what attendees said;

Great talks from a range of disciplines including field leaders. Core techniques covered. Opportunity for independent work surrounded by experts. Great introduction to the model system.

Great scope of topics and techniques - Excellent size (number of participants) and just the right duration - Excellent accommodation and learning facilities - Loved (!) the final dinner/dance.

 

EGGED 2024 will provide hands-on training in fundamental and cutting-edge developmental biology techniques, including;

  • In-ovo manipulation- tissue grafting, bead application, electroporation, over-expression, knock-down approaches
  • Ex-ovo culture and electroporation
  • RNA in situ hybridisation
  • Transgenesis and gene editing
  • Functional genomics
  • Chicken cell and organoid culture
  • Tool making
  • Imaging approaches
  • Networking events
  • Sandpit discussions to establish the forward momentum of the field

Participants will have access to the unique transgenic chicken lines available from the National Avian Research Facility (NARF) including the "Roslin Green" GFP, "Flamingo" dtTomato, membrane GFP, "Chameleon" Cre-inducible mini-Brainbow and Cas9. At EGGED, participants will be encouraged to undertake their own experiments with eggs from these lines to generate preliminary data.

 

New for 2024 - Extended Workshop for Beginners and Experts (spaces limited)

Those new to the chicken embryo or expert researchers keen to collect data during the workshop can apply to extend the standard 4-day workshop.

  • EGGED Beginners — Researchers new to the chicken embryo can apply to attend an introductory course on Monday 8th July.
  • EGGED Experts — Advanced researchers can extend the workshop to facilitate pilot data collection beginning on Monday 8th July, with the option of finishing data collection on Saturday 13th.

 

Event registration will now be coordinated by EMBO - Register here

If you have any queries about the event, please contact EGGED@roslin.ed.ac.uk

 

Organisers  Megan Davey, James Glover, Ana Hernández Rodríguez and Ruth Williams

 

RSE

Funding

The Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS and the NARF have received a Saltire Facilitation Network Award from The Royal Society of Edinburgh to hold practical workshops in both 2022 and 2024. EGGED 2024 will be supported by The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems

Teagasc leading the development of more sustainable European livestock production systems

STEP UP is a four year research project funded under Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship funding programme for research and innovation. The project, led by Teagasc, aims to support the development of more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable European livestock production systems (ELPS). The project was launched this week by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with responsibility for research and innovation, Martin Heydon T.D. A consortium of 16 partner organisations from across Europe gathered at the Teagasc Ashtown Conference Centre, Dublin on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th February 2024, to officially kick-off the project.  

A core objective of STEP UP is to generate clear, unambiguous and quantitative information to support greater sustainability, viability and resilience of environmentally compatible European Livestock Production Systems. Through state-of-the-art research methodologies and thorough and effective stakeholder engagement, STEP UP will deliver a platform of measures to support European policy makers with science-based evidence on the impacts and externalities of ELPS, as part of the food and wider ecosystem.

Launching the project, Minister Heydon remarked; “with 90% of Irish farms having some form of livestock farming activity, this area plays a vital socio-economic role in rural Ireland and this is also the case in many EU countries. Irish livestock farming is embracing a wide range of practices to improve sustainability, from breeding more sustainable animals to using less fertiliser, which also produces lower emissions, as well as incorporating multi-species swards and clover into grassland, amongst other areas. Research and innovation have driven the development of these and for this reason; I am delighted to be launching this new, pan-European research project ‘STEP-UP’. Through the involvement of 16 partners across 10 countries, I am confident that the research will provide valuable insights and data for the benefit of European livestock production and I wish the team, led by Professor David Kenny of Teagasc Grange, well in their work over the coming four years”.

On the occasion of the launch of the STEP UP project, Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc and current President of the EU Animal Task Force said: “Teagasc is centrally involved in supporting the ongoing development of the economic and environmental viability of the livestock sector, both nationally and internationally. Taking the leadership role in the STEP UP project further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the sustainability of both Irish and European livestock production systems”.

Professor David Kenny, Head of Animal and Bioscience Research in Teagasc and STEP UP coordinator, said: “In order to address the many challenges facing ELPS, the overall objective of STEP UP is to provide policy makers with a robust evidence base on the impacts and externalities and, in particular, their monetised values, of livestock farming as part of the food system and wider ecosystem”.

Step by Step to Innovation

STEP UP will forge a clear path forward in the co-creation of ELPS suited for future societal needs. This starts with mapping data gaps, a step that is crucial for improving the reliability of all further analyses. This will be followed by establishing current Innovative Livestock Production Systems which requires documenting and understanding novel and developing practices in livestock management. By indicating and measuring the impact for livestock systems with a focus on quantifying the consequences of these systems, STEP UP intends to establish a holistic methodology for quantifying impacts. The use of novel data modelling approaches will enhance the accuracy of predictive models enabling forecast scenarios including monetizing impacts so that transition pathways for more sustainable and diverse ELPS can be identified. Evidence-based STEP UP knowledge of ELPS as part of the food system and wider ecosystem will be disseminated using the multi-actor approach. Finally, STEP UP will provide a unique and warranted platform to support the development of informed and objective policy measures to optimise the central role of livestock in meeting the nutritional and societal needs of the European and global population.

Collaboration is the key

STEP UP’s collaborative approach brings together reputable partners from all over Europe - TEAGASC, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, INRAE, Wageningen University & Research, IFIP - Institut du porc, The European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders, The Spanish National Research Council, Foodscale Hub, Institute De L'elevage, FeedInov CoLab, Germany’s Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, The Poznań University of Life Sciences, Thuenen, IST-ID, Institut Technique de l'Aviculture and Queen’s University Belfast.

The project will actively involve farmers, data providers, research institutions, and other industry experts, policymakers, the European Commission, and other key agri-food industry actors.

The STEP UP project has been funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and innovation programme. All the information is available on the project's website, as well as on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.

It is funded by the European Commission through its Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme with co-funding from UK Research and Innovation.

STEP UP is a Research Innovation Action funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101136785. The project has also received funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee. The STEP UP project commenced on the 1st January 2024 and will run for four years with an overall budget of €4.7 million. The consortium includes 16 partner organisations from 10 European countries.

BSAS Presentation Club Webinar

The BSAS Early Career Committee is running a presentation club webinar on 27th March at 2PM via Zoom. 
 
Open to a small number of participants, the team is offering presentation training to early career researchers who have never presented before or who would like to further develop their skills. Participants will be divided into small groups to allow you to receive tips that are relevant to you and receive feedback.
 
Gain invaluable insights and feedback so that you are ready for the next big conference opportunity!
 
Numbers are limited and places will be allocated on a first come basis. To register your interest, please email communications@bsas.org.uk

animal

AAAS

Harper Adams PhD project : Supporting global quality in livestock farming systems.


Acquiring and assess a systemic approach by using serious games in local Geographical Indication dairy system in France and the UK.

Discipline: Zootechnics - Farming systems and agricultural extension
Supervision: Stéphane Ingrand (PhD-HDR)1, Sylvain Dernat (PhD)2 et Michael Lee (PhD)3

1 Joint Research Unit Herbivores INRAE, VetAgro Sup Saint-Genès-Champanelle - France
2 Joint Research Unit Territoires - GAMAE - Clermont Auvergne University (UCA), INRAE, VetAgro Sup & AgroParisTech Clermont-Ferrand France. This research unit will host in France the successful candidate.
3 School of Sustainable Food and Farming, Harper Adams University - Edgmond, Newport UK

Context:
Livestock farming is often identified as one of the main agricultural drivers of climate change. Therefore, when considering the value of livestock products in terms of their environmental impact, a holistic assessment is required using balanced metrics and avoiding tunnel vision. In addition to considering nutritional and co-product benefits, other natural capital and societal assets that result from well-managed farming enterprises need to be recognised (Manzano et al., 2023). However, this approach remains difficult because it is subject to divergent interpretations depending on the stakeholders involved.

Global quality is an emerging concept in agriculture, particularly in livestock production systems (Legrand et al., 2023). It goes beyond the sanitary, economic and organoleptic aspects of quality as understood in the production and processing industries (ie the intrinsic dimension of quality), and takes in ecological, social and cultural dimensions (ie the extrinsic dimension of quality). However, putting this concept into practice is difficult because it involves so many different actors (farmers, processors, advisors, vets,
distributors, but also elected representatives, citizens, ecologist associations, etc.).

This thesis is based within the field of farming systems and agricultural extension and aims to address the scientific front of participatory support for global quality in livestock farming, as well as its practical application in the field, using a dual approach. On the one hand, theoretical work will aim to better define the concept of global quality in livestock farming, and on the other, empirical work will aim to test the practical application of this concept to support changes in livestock farming systems in the field.

For this second aspect, the PhD student will use innovative tools such as serious games, which are now at the heart of a revival of agricultural guidance in Europe. Serious games are now commonly used to address systemic issues in agricultural sectors, particularly under geographical indication (GI) (Dernat et al., 2022). Unlike traditional top-down advice, games can be used to address complex systems by making them accessible to as many people as possible through simple but not simplistic modelling and
knowledge sharing.
 
 

Issue:
The problem this thesis will address is therefore at the crossroads of two scientific fronts: that of overall quality in livestock farming and that of support approaches to accompany systemic changes in agriculture. As a result, the question to be addressed by this thesis will be: How can serious games be a means for integrating the global quality approach to move livestock systems through the agroecological transition?


Method:
The thesis will be based on two case studies in France and the UK within two local GI dairy production sectors. GI sectors are particularly sensitive to these systemic issues, as they combine the economic constraints of the sector with territorial strategies linked to local issues. The aim is to support these sectors using a global quality approach in order to optimise their strategies by involving all the stakeholders, both inside and outside the sector and the territory. There is a need for engineering to do this and the serious game as an engineering tool will make it possible to federate various stakeholders around a common vision of the global quality of local GI dairy system. A comparison between France and the UK will be interesting in terms of institutional (EU vs. non-EU), cultural and technical differences, which may help to better understand the importance of the concept of global quality and its local application.


To achieve this, the thesis will use serious games as part of an overall support process. Part of the work will involve identifying and adapting existing games or, failing that, creating a new game dedicated to global quality in livestock farming. This process will be tested in real conditions with stakeholders in the sectors, using the principle of action research as already tested on a PDO cheese (Dernat et al., 2022).


The evaluation framework for step-by-step support developed by Etienne et al. (2023) or by Sneessens et al. (2019) could be used to measure and adjust the effects on the real practices of the operators involved.


Contribution of the thesis to science:
The thesis will be an opportunity to make an important theoretical contribution to livestock farming systems approach, mainly by addressing the concept of global quality. In this respect, the person recruited will be able to take part in EAAP (European Federation of Animal Science) and IFSA (International Farming Systems Association) scientific events. Empirical approaches may also be the subject of investment in the ESEE (European Seminar on agricultural Extension & Education).


Practical contribution of the thesis to livestock farming:
The aim of the thesis will be to provide useful and operational tools to help all stakeholders of a sector to asses and to achieve global quality. These tools can then be disseminated and mobilised by agricultural advisory services.
More broadly, the participatory proposal of the thesis opens up to a public that is partly outside the agricultural world (citizens, elected representatives, etc.). This highlights the practical challenge of putting into operation a process with this wider perimeter, which is socially interesting but not often addressed in the actual practice of field support (Coeugnet et al., 2023).

 
 

Minimum expected publications:
- An article on the concept of global quality in livestock farming
- An article on the results of the support provided to farming groups during the thesis, in particular a comparison between France and the UK. Target journals: Animal, Agricultural systems, Agriculture for Sustainable Development.
 

Logistical aspects of the thesis:
The thesis will be hosted in Clermont Ferrand within INRAE. It will provide support for the overall work of the thesis and specifically for the French field. One of the supervisors is a research engineer, who has worked extensively on futures issues and adaptations of livestock and is a specialist in the livestock farming systems. The other French supervisor is a research engineer, whose research focuses on supporting transitions in farming communities. He is also responsible for the GAMAE platform, which specialises in serious agri-environmental games. The person recruited will also be able to benefit from the teaching staff of the Gloqual master's programme (Global quality in livestock farming), in which the French supervisors of this thesis are involved. More practically, the PhD student will be hosted by UMR


Territoires, which will manage the budget in line with the projects in the French fields, and will also provide the ideal setting for developing serious games and evaluating them in a participatory process (creation workshop and digital tools of the GAMAE platform, unique in Europe).
The PhD student will also be hosted by Harper Adams University in England to enrich the approach and carry out experiments in the English field. The presence in UK is expected to be ca. 1 year of study. In particular, the School of Sustainable Food and Farming will be contributing its expertise in supporting agricultural sectors throughout the value chain (from producer to distributor). The English supervisor will bring his knowledge of local farming systems and quality issues in the livestock sector. It will also enable
the person recruited to be integrated into the various scientific communities involved in livestock farming in UK and in the Morrisons Sustainable Farm Network project.


Case studies:
In UK, to support the thesis work, resources will be mobilised in conjunction with the Morrisons Sustainable Farm Network project via the Saputo Dairy. Saputo produces the GPI cheese Wensleydale, an English cheese that originated in Wensleydale, England. Saputo is ranked within the top 10 global dairy processors, with leading market positions in Canada, the USA, Australia, Argentina, and UK.


In France, the thesis will be supported by the RMT (Réseau mixte technologique) Fromages de Terroir to work with a PDO/GPI cheese close to Wensleydale (in organoleptic and production terms, to have this same basis to compare) on the global quality. It will also benefit from the work of the ANR Gingko project and/or European GI-Smart project to carry out fieldwork.


Over the three years, case studies will also benefit from the support of the Gloqual Master's students as part of their annual group project. Students will go to France and/or UK to help the PhD student to prepare the field actions and assess the impact of the support.

 
 

Budget:
- Salary: remuneration by the UCA (one of the "tutelle" of the lead research unit, UMR Territoires) for three years of thesis (€2,885 monthly cost, i.e. €34,620 annual cost)
- Mission expenses for the case study in France: supported by the ANR Gingko project or the European Smart-GI project (depending on the needs), managed by INRAE for UMR Territoires.
- Mission expenses for the case study in the UK: supported by the Morrisons Sustainable Farm Network project, managed by Harper Adams University.
- Operating costs for international co-supervision (doctoral student and supervisor mission expenses): €15k managed by the UCA.


Requirements:
Required Education Level
- Agricultural Sciences > Master degree or equivalent (engineer diploma)
- Economics > Agricultural economics > Master degree or equivalent
 

Skills/Qualifications
- Mastery of the systems approach to livestock production
- Ability to conduct and analyse interviews
- proficiency in bibliographical analysis
- Ability to run workshops with professional stakeholders in agricultural sectors
- Ability to write
 

Specific Requirements
- English > Excellent
- French > Good
- 1 to 6 months training in a research laboratory will be a plus.
- An experience in a participatory project will be a plus.


Selection process:
Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France and its Clermont Auvergne Project Graduate School (CAP GS) programme offer a PhD opportunity that will be conducted in partnership between Clermont Auvergne University and a foreign research Institution. The associated Changing Environments Graduate Track presents three PhD proposals published on EURAXESS, of which one only will be funded.


The selection process will take all applications into consideration. The best fitting candidate will be invited to an audition between end of June and mid-July 2024.
Applicants who have earned their higher educational qualifications outside Europe or in Greece must attach to their application a certificate of equivalence of the diploma (Master degree). The certificate can be obtained following the procedure indicated here: https://phoenix.ciep.fr/inscriptions/
Application deadline: Friday May the 10th, 5 pm Paris time, 2024. Applications arriving after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration.

 
 

Applications should include a cover letter indicating your motivation and relevant research experience, a detailed curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and contact information for at least two referees.
Please send the application via Email to: sylvain.dernat@inrae.fr, stephane.ingrand@inrae.fr and MRFLee@harper-adams.ac.uk
PhD studies will start in November 2024. A salary will be paid for 3 years (36 months).


R

Agricultural Economics Society of Ireland     Home   News   2024 Meetings   Past Meetings   Council   EAAE events   Job Va

The Annual Conference will be hosted by Ulster University in Belfast on 26-28th June 2024. Details to follow.

Belfast Campus, Ulster University, 2-24 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1AP

David Levick

Georgina Croxford

AFBI

AHDB

9th International Conference on the Welfare of Animals at Farm Level (WAFL)

Welcome to the 9th International Conference on the Welfare of Animals at Farm Level (WAFL) in Florence on August 30th and 31st, 2024. This marks the first in-person WAFL since Wageningen in 2017, and follows the successful online WAFL conference in 2021. We are delighted to collaborate with the Health and Welfare Commission of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) in organising WAFL 2024, which will feature two full days of single sessions and poster presentations. This will offer a unique and focused experience for attendees, as well as the opportunity to engage in a Delegate Forum discussing the future of Animal Welfare Science and WAFL. You can continue your intellectual journey into the evening at the conference dinner on Friday 30th August against the captivating backdrop of Florence.
 
Following WAFL, you can extend your experience of Florence at the 75th EAAP Annual Meeting (1st – 5th September) with numerous scientific sessions dedicated to farm animal health and welfare. Several of these will be organised in collaboration with other relevant study commissions including Precision Livestock Farming, Genetics, Nutrition and Livestock Farming Systems to leverage the presence of animal scientists from other disciplines. We look forward to your participation in this milestone event!

Themes

  • Humans in the loop – role of sociology in improving farm animal welfare
  • New welfare indicators – with a focus on the positive!
  • It’s all in the mind – cognition and the welfare of farm animals
  • The future of animal welfare: policy and science
  • Welfare of farm animals at end of life (culling/euthanasia, transport and slaughter)
  • Suppress, substitute and soothe suffering – application of the 3S’s to improve farm animal welfare
  • New frontiers in the assessment of animal welfare on-farm
  • Free communications

 

WAFL 2024 Organisers

  • Laura Boyle (Chair)
  • Keelin O’Driscoll (Co-Chair)
  • Amy Quinn (Co-Chair)

WAFL 2024 Scientific Committee

  • Keelin O’Driscoll (Chair)
  • Laura Boyle (Co-Chair)
  • Maria Hotzel
  • Gabriella Olmos Antillon
  • Oceane Schmitt
  • Jen Yun-Chou
  • Siobhan Mullan
  • Gareth Arnott
  • Mona Giersberg
  • Miroslav Kjosevski
  • Jan Tind Sorensen (WAFL 1999)
  • Christoph Winckler (WAFL 2005)
  • Frank Tuyttens (WAFL 2008)
  • Tina Widowski (WAFL 2011)
  • Isabelle Veissier (WAFL 2014)
  • Hans Spoolder (WAFL 2017)

 

Venue

Albani Hotel, Via Fiume, 12 – 50123 Firenze

Katie McDermott

Standard Bio Tools

Sion Richards

Jim Jensen

Genus PLC

CABI

Paul Crawford

David Ewing

Sam Beechner

Steven Van Winden

Yongxiu Yao

Katharina Watson

Eleri Thomas

Core Scientist in Quantitative Genetics and Genomics

JOB INFORMATION

  • Job Identification9466
  • Locations Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, EH25 9RG, GB(100% On-campus)
  • Apply Before15/02/2024, 23:59
  • Health and Safety RequirementsKey hazards identified (plan is in place)
  • Criminal Record CheckNo criminal record check required
  • Contract TypeFixed Term
  • Number of Openings1
  • GradeUE07
  • OrganizationRoyal Dick Veterinary Studies, Royal Dick Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh University Group
  • DepartmentThe Roslin Institute
  • Job FunctionResearcher
  • Job ScheduleFull time
 

JOB DESCRIPTION

UE07 £37,099 to £44,263 per annum (A revised salary range for this grade of £39,347 to £46,974 is planned to take effect from Spring 2024) 

College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine/Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies/The Roslin Institute         

Fixed term (to 31/3/2028)

Full time (35 hours per week)

We are looking for a candidate to support the development of research activity in small ruminant genetics and genomics, and DNA methylation in livestock species within a newly established group at the Roslin Institute (University of Edinburgh). The main emphasis is on statistical and computational skills, but additional laboratory skills would be advantageous. The position offers substantial independence and potential for growth.

The Opportunity:

This post offers the opportunity to pursue your research interests in the areas of livestock epigenomics and small ruminant genetics and genomics, with a focus on health, reproduction and production, and contribute to shape the research direction of a newly established research group. You will work in close collaboration with the group’s principal investigator to manage the research group and deliver research outcomes.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

  • Expert in animal breeding, quantitative genetics, quantitative genomics, or similar discipline.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, towards research group and individual objectives.
  • Track record of research output of high quality and technical skills.
  • Willingness to engage in and contribute to own and colleagues’ professional development.

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)

As a valued member of our team you can expect:  

An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which includes a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more. Access our staff benefits page for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided. 
 
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. 

If invited for interview you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK.  Further information is available on our right to work webpages. 

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa. 

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. 

Michael Lee

Gemma Wyburn

Thomas Williams

Mark Trotter

Jennie Pryce

Gregory Sawyer

Luciano Adrian Gonzalez

Animal Health Vaccine Development Summit

Animal Health Vaccine Development Summit

Open Date: 31 January 2024
Close Date: 01 February 2024

Location: Kansas City, MO

External link: Learn More

Unleashing the Power of Vaccines to Advance Veterinary Medicine

Emerging advances in biopharma development and manufacturing processes are rapidly changing the game for animal health drug development. As this community capitalizes on advanced platform technologies, RNA vaccines & other innovations, this year alone has seen the first-ever vaccine for honeybees – medicines for animal health are on the cusp of something truly exciting. 

 

With increased investment, collaboration, and more promising innovation than ever before, the Animal Health Vaccine Development Summit has been curated as the industry’s first R&D-centred forum dedicated solely to showcasing the latest advances in high-value vaccine technologies being harnessed for intervention against infectious disease, cancer & chronic pain, from biopharma and academia. As we navigate through the progressive science in animal health, this forum will arm the community with the means to discover, design, and develop the next generation of veterinary medicines.

AgriLeader Forum on 30–31 January 2024

Join us at the AgriLeader Forum on 30–31 January 2024 for an opportunity to meet up and network with like-minded farmers and learn from international experts.

Are you making the most of your personal and business networks?

Join us as we help you explore how to create and develop connections to benefit both you and your business.

The Agrileader Forum will transform your perspective and inspire you to change.

 

When and where

12:00pm Tuesday 30 January – 1:00pm Wednesday 31 January 

Hilton Manchester Deansgate

We've secured a preferential rate at the venue of £169, which you can book via the link below. 

Reserve a room at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate 

Alternatively, there are several hotels near to the venue, including: INNSiDE Manchester, several Premier Inns and Leonardo Hotel.

Why come to the event?

While taking time out of your business might seem like an impossible task, the benefits you can reap from doing so are priceless:

  • Hear from inspirational, world-renowned speakers
  • Network with like-minded farmers
  • Be challenged and motivated in equal measure
  • Arm yourself with the tools you need to drive your business forward
  • Take time to reflect and plan
  • Have a great time and recharge your batteries

 

Agenda (Tuesday 30 January)

Welcome
With Nicholas Saphir, AHDB Chairman

The fuel for your engine
With Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, a chartered clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, keynote speaker and published author.

Building the network: gazing over the hedge
An interactive panel discussion with:

  • Laura Ryan, Founder and CEO of Meat Business Women and Global Meat Alliance
  • Phil Halhead, a third-generation dairy farmer with a large beef enterprise and founder and managing director of Norbreck Genetics and Norbreck Storage
  • Phil Jarvis, Chair of Albanwise Farming and Albanwise Environment

The power of networking (breakout sessions)

Closing remarks
With Mike Gooding, AHDB Farming Systems Director

Drinks reception and evening meal

Agenda (Wednesday 31 January)

Welcome
With Will Jackson, AHDB Divisional Director – Engagement 

Personal power: build your resilience, resourcefulness and creativity
With Marcus Child, an award-winning speaker who inspires confidence, wholeheartedness and courage.

Reflections: Have you stepped out of your comfort zone?
With Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald and Marcus Child

Closing remarks and lunch

 

Find out more about the event

Reader in Dairy AgriTech - Barony

SRUC is unique in Scotland and one of the largest organisations of its kind in Europe. Our ambitious and exciting vision is to work at local, national and international levels, leading innovation and sustainable development in agriculture and rural sectors.

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Reader at our Dairy Research Centre in Dumfries.

This post is part of the exciting £21.3 million Strength in Places Project “Digital Dairy Value-Chain for South-West Scotland and Cumbria” that SRUC is leading along with University of Strathclyde, University of the West of Scotland, CENSIS, First Milk Limited, Lactalis McLelland Limited, Kendal Nutricare Limited, Cows & Co Group Limited, National Milk Records PLC and SmartSTEMs.

Based in SRUC’s Dairy Research & Innovation Centre and working with a wide range of project partners and stakeholders across South-West Scotland and Cumbria, the purpose of this post is to foster the development and adoption of useful agritech in the regional dairy sector by:

  • Innovation scouting;
  • Participation in product development, including data management and integration, using SRUC’s dairy farms as a test-bed;
  • Outreach and knowledge exchange with the sector.

The post would be extremely suitable for a candidate with data engineering and database management background in the agri-tech sector. It will involve close collaboration and building pipelines with data scientists developing a digital twin of the SRUC dairy farm and working on a range of data sources and project areas, including:

  • Use of weather and farm information (including from networked meteorological stations) in the management of fertiliser, manure and agrochemical applications;
  • Methods to monitor crop growth and quality;
  • Development and use of methods to monitoring biodiversity;
  • Use of animal mounted sensors in managing cow physiology, behaviour welfare;
  • Developing new outputs based on high-throughput analysis of milk;
  • Contributing to maintenance and curation of dairy farm datasets and affiliated databases;
  • Use of research equipment for recording feed intake, meal patterns, methane emissions and energy expenditure.

Teagasc

Paul Smith

Katie McDermott

Steven Morrison

Sam Hoste

Aurelie Aubry

Christina Marley

Esther Harper

Laura Tennent

Phil Holder

David Wilde

Philip Skuce

Jos Houdijk

Tommy Boland

Paul Crossan

Elizabeth Magowan

Laura Boyle

Jonathan Statham

Hannah van Zanten

C-lock

Andrew Crump

Peter Williams

Mark Little

Liz Homer

Erin Sherry

Jack Hannam

Bridget Emmett

James McCaughern

Sion Richards

Alberto Palmonari

Sophie Parker-Norman