BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Animal and Veterinary Sciences programme. The position is available from 01 September 2024 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title
Nutrition and animal welfare in poultry production, with a focus on organic dual purpose genotypes
Research area and project description
Dual-purpose genotypes in organic poultry production allows utilisation of the females for both egg- and meat production and the males for meat production. Introducing this concept will avoid culling of male chickens, which is the practice in productions using light, efficient layer genotypes, and considered a serious ethical problem. Optimal feeding strategies for organic poultry is essential since it is not permitted to use synthetic amino acids to balance the diets and avoid oversupply of protein. Feed based on organic ingredients and with a nutrient composition and amino acid profile optimized for specific dual-purpose genotypes, targeting both layers and males, is expected to increase resource efficiency and sustainability of the production system.
The aim of the project is to introduce a more holistic approach for the organic poultry production, by studying the possibilities to establish a dual-purpose production system, which combine meat and egg production and identify strategies that can improve resource efficiency and minimise environmental impact. It is essential to create high product diversity and quality and a production which will comply with high animal welfare
The PhD project includes experimental studies with different dual-purpose genotypes using both males and females (laying hens) in a free-range system, measuring the effects of more optimal feeding strategies with organic diets, on performance, nutrient digestibility (e.g. amino acids) and nitrogen and phosphorous retention to estimate the level of excretion of the environment. In addition, the PhD student will be included in an experimental study on pain sensation in relation to keel bone fractures in conventional layers where the focus of the PhD student will be on behavioural indicators of acute and chronic pain/discomfort. Thus, the PhD project involves welfare assessments in all the experimental studies, including behavioural observations and tests and evaluation of clinical indicators, such as plumage and foot pad conditions and detection of keel-bone fractures by X-ray.
Project description: For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree related to poultry science (120 ECTS)
Knowledge of organic poultry production, nutrition and animal welfare will be an advantage.
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Dept. of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
- Senior researcher Sanna Steenfeldt, sanna.steenfeldt@anivet.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Senior researcher Anja Brinch Riber, Anja.riber@anivet.au.dk (co-supervisor)
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is Sunday 23 June 2024 at 23:59 CEST.
Preferred starting date is 01 September 2024.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Viborg Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Blichers Allé, 8830 Tjele
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 23-06-2024; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/6064874