BSAS 2024: The role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy
Your Guide to BSAS 2024
BSAS News December 2023
BSAS News January 2024
Northern Ireland Pork & Bacon Forum
Post Doctoral Researcher (Level 1) in Reproductive Physiology (Re-advertisement)
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €42,783 - €49,177 p.a. pro rata
The University of Limerick supports blended working
QUALIFICATIONS:
OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB: This Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded Post Doctoral Researcher will work as part of a wider multidisciplinary research team at the University of Limerick and in collaboration with researchers in University College Dublin, Teagasc and Industry. The main focus of the work is to assess the functional and molecular characteristics of heterospermic bull semen and assess how it interacts with the female reproductive tract using techniques such as computer assisted sperm analysis, flow cytometry, rtPCR, RNAseq and immunohistochemistry. It is envisaged this position will run for 1 year. RESEARCHER CAREER FRAMEWORK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK Post Doctoral Research roles are considered advanced research training roles as part of the Researcher Career Framework. The purpose of this advanced research training role is to conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision of a Principal Investigator while continuing to develop skills and competencies with respect to the role and future career options. Researchers employed on a Researcher Career Framework Contract will have dual goals in terms of a particular research project and their own career development. The training and development relevant to this position will be completed within the period of the contract in which time the researcher will continue to develop skills and competencies with respect to the role and their future career options. All Postdoctoral Researchers (Level 1 or 2) will be expected to participate in the Researcher Development Programme (RDP).
DESCRIPTION: Post-Doctoral Researchers will be expected to carry out the below list of responsibilities together with any additional duties requested by the Principal Investigator/Head of Academic Unit: Research
Contribution to Research Group and University
Mentoring
Personal Development
Research Environment
Interpersonal Skills
Personal Skills and Effectiveness
Career Development
Essential Criteria:
Desirable Criteria:
Please include the following information in your application:
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Teagasc Research Officer – Bovine Infectious Disease (Contract)
Salary: Research Officer with a Salary Scale of €38,558 to €74,094
Basic Function
The successful research officer will be involved in both data analysis activities and project management activities at the Teagasc Dairy Research Centre, Moorepark. The successful candidate will have proven experience in animal science and data analysis in addition to working in a team environment. The successful candidate would need to have a keen interest in epidemiology and be a good communicator with a capacity to organise, manage and prioritise workload
Background
Eradication of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a significant challenge in Ireland and internationally. The single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) test is used to screen all cattle herds for infection annually, with the gamma-interferon test being used also in certain cases to increase sensitivity. Both of these tests rely on the animals’ own immune system to detect infection. It is well established that physiological stress can lead to immunosuppression in both humans and animals, and it is hypothesised that it may therefore impact TB diagnostic test performance which rely on the hosts' immunological response. The objective of this project is to investigate the factors that may affect the outcome of bTB tests in cattle in Ireland. The project will involve collaboration with various industry stakeholders, including DAFM, to carry out a large retrospective data analysis using in-depth animal-level data from 2002-2022.
Job Objectives
Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:
- Completion of all project tasks under supervision of project coordinator and principle investigator.
- Maintain high standards of data management and organisation for the duration of the project.
- Lead meetings with project partners to facilitate data sharing and collaboration.
- Ensure all research and statistical methods employed during the project are appropriate and effective for each task.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities:
- To interpret research findings and prepare scientific and popular press publications.
- To disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
- To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
- To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
- Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
- To actively participate in the Teagasc Post Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post Doctoral fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
- To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.
* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. Duties and responsibilities will be reviewed with the post-holder from time to time.
Lance Woods
An interview with animal’s new editor-in-chief, Dr Isabelle Louveau
About Dr Isabelle Louveau, Editor-in-Chief
- 1991 : Doctorate in Biology, Rennes 1 University, France, with an 18-month internship in a research laboratory at Pennsylvania State University, State College, USA
- 1992 : recruitment as a researcher in INRA (French National Institute of Research in Agronomy, now INRAE)
- 2006 : Accreditation to supervise research
- 2005-20007 : Editor, Domestic Animal Endocrinology's editorial board
- 2015–2019 : "Physiology" section editor, Livestock Science's editorial board
- Since 2015 : Editor, Journées de la Recherche Porcine (Swine Days' Research) organisation committee
- 2017–2022 : Vice-president, Commission on Animal Physiology, EAAP (2 terms)
- 2020-2023 : Editor and then Deputy Section Editor, Physiology & Functional Biology Section, animal's editorial board
- From 2024 : Editor-in-chief, animal
Who owns animal?
The animal journal is part of a journal family (animal, animal – science proceedings, and animal – open space) owned by an international consortium comprised of two learned societies and one research institution:
- BSAS : British Society of Animal Science
- EAAP : European Federation of Animal Science
- INRAE : Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (French National Institute for Research in Agriculture, Food and Environment)
All decisions regarding animal are made by the consortium. The journal is completely independent in its editorial policy and strategy. The royalties it receives (45% of income for each published article) are shared between the consortium members. These funds are then allocated to finance conferences, targeted research actions, etc. Read more here.
1. After a transition period at the end of 2019, animal implemented Gold Open Access in 2020. What consequences did you observe after this change of business model, from 2020 up to 2024?
- We first observed a change in submitting authors' geographical profiles. Some countries cannot afford article-publishing charges and no longer submit as a result. The animal journal is a member of Research4Life, a partnership that grants waivers to teams of researchers from low-income countries. We can also offer a limited number of waivers. Despite these two schemes though, we have unfortunately lost submissions from these countries.
- animal's impact factor did not decrease when we transitioned to the Gold Open Access model. On the contrary, it rose above the threshold of three in 2021. This threshold is a minimum requirement to publish for some institutions. As a result, some authors who previously would not submit started to send us articles. More recently, Clarivate has changed its calculation methods for impact factors. This led to a better ranking for animal amongst journals of the same category.
- On the whole though, transitioning to a Gold Open Access model has caused a 30 to 40% decrease in the overall number of submissions. We have only recently (since summer 2023) started to observe a slight pick-up in the number of submissions.
- As for the quality of submissions: it has spread out towards the extremes. We receive a significantly greater number of out-of-scope or sub-standard quality articles. However, we also receive more articles of excellent quality. The overall quality of acceptable and accepted articles has noticeably increased.
2. Could you tell us more about the journal's scope widening to include insects, as of 2024?
- The decision to widen animal's scope to include insects was made by the journal's Management Board. It stems from the Board's will to adapt to the development of new livestock farming sectors, as evidenced by the ever-increasing number of communications concerning or including insect production submitted to EAAP's Annual Meetings.
- The journal's scope has now been adapted to include insects. However, just as for all other animal species within the scope:
- It is the production aspect and rearing factors that are of interest for animal;
- Animal responses must be included, in particular whole-animal outcomes.
- This new section will be cross-disciplinary and theme-based: it will be centred around insects and all aspects of insect production, unlike other sections, which are organised by disciplines.
- The new Section Editor, as well as a Deputy Section Editor and a few editors, have already been recruited.
- Submissions of articles about insect production are already welcome!
3. What is animal's editorial policy regarding the quality assessment of articles?
Articles are assessed through a multi-criterion evaluation. It entails:
- Assessing overall comprehensibility, including
- the quality of scientific content, that is the clarity of the expression of ideas and scientific concepts,
- the quality of the English language used and its legibility;
- Ensuring that principles of responsible publishing and ethics are respected, for instance by
- detecting plagiarism,
- ensuring that international authorship standards are upheld and CRediT author statement is used,
- ensuring that any use of artificial intelligence to assist in writing be duly acknowledged;
- Evaluating the scientific quality and the reproducibility of the research presented.
Recently, we have decided to raise our standards when it comes to statistics in articles, to foster a better understanding of studies and their analysis by readers. We will soon publish a Statistics guidebook for authors, reviewers, and editors, which will formalise our expectations and provide guidance to support authors and help them to produce robust and reproducible statistics.
BSAS hosts Annual Conference in Belfast amid 80th anniversary celebrations
BSAS hosts conference amid 80th anniversary celebrations
The British Society of Animal Science’s (BSAS) Annual Conference, is set to take place in Belfast from April 9th to April 11th, 2024, coinciding with the society's 80th anniversary celebrations. Established in 1944, BSAS has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration and innovation in animal science for eight decades.
The conference, themed on ‘The role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy’ is shaping up to be a dynamic and enriching event, offering unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration as it will convene experts, researchers, and enthusiasts from across the UK and Ireland and beyond to discuss and explore the latest scientific advancements and knowledge.
The opening session of the conference will include Prof Maggie Gill (Aberdeen Uni), Prof Frank O’Mara of Teagasc and the EU Animal Task Force and Dr Katie McDermott (University of Leeds). Frank will be the main speaker opening the debate and outlining the current state of knowledge with regard to the role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy.
A further highlight of this year's conference is the President’s Session (Wednesday 10th April), in which the presidents of the British Ecological Society (Prof Bridget Emmett; UKCEH); British Society of Soil Science (Dr Jack Hannan, Cranfield Uni); President-Elect from the Agricultural Economics Society of Ireland (Dr Erin Sherry, AFBI) and Elizabeth Magowan, President of BSAS, will come together to discuss and find a fact-based position on the role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy. The session will be chaired by a past President of the Ulster Farmers Union – Prof John Gilliland. The presidents session will be followed by the ‘Hammond Lecture’ which will be delivered by Prof Hannah Van Zanten of Wageningen University. Hannah is a world leading scientist, and her presentation will outline novel approaches to driving circularity in farming systems with Livestock a key feature of that circular system.
On Thursday 11th April, sessions on sustainable beef production and reducing the environmental impact of dairy systems will address the potential interventions which will reduce emissions and how we can apply science to best benefit.
The highlights above are just a few examples of the cutting-edge science and its practical application that will be discussed and debated at the conference. Full programme details can be found here.
There are various options for attending e.g. one day ticket, three day ticket, 80th anniversary Gala dinner ticket and a one off special offer of £120 to attend the presidents session noted above, including lunch.
AFBI Quality Assurance Manager (Livestock Science) - Higher Scientific Officer
REF: IRC300577
DEPARTMENT: Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute Northern Ireland (AFBI)
SALARY: £32,880 - £34,011
LOCATION: AFBI Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR
In order to apply for this position, please click on the “Apply for this job online” link below to register to this vacancy and to submit an online application.
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 synergies 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 methods, 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
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 |
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Location: | Preston |
Funding for: | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
Funding amount: | £19,237 |
Hours: | Full Time |
Placed On: | 6th March 2024 |
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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:
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- 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 |
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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!
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.
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
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)
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
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
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.