Summer 2011 – Winter 2013
PIG WELFARE
Duration: 2 years starting April-May 2011
Subject: Assessing social and temperament factors affecting longevity in sows
Description:
As North American pork producers transition to group housing of gestating sows, the ability to identify the risk factors affecting sow welfare and longevity in the herd becomes increasingly critical for assurance of animal well-being and economic viability. This graduate program is part of a larger study funded by the Canadian Swine Research and Development Cluster (CSRDC). The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing techniques and identifying social factors influencing lameness, productivity and longevity in group housed gestating sows. By assessing the relationships of these factors, reliable tools for early identification of lameness and temperament traits can improve animal selection for particular housing conditions, and thereby contribute to the economic viability of the pork sector.
The project will take place at the Prairie Swine Centre (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) in collaboration with the University of Manitoba, the University of Guelph (Ontario) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Dairy and Swine R&D Centre (Québec). The student will be co-supervised by Harold Gonyou and Nicolas Devillers and will receive a scholarship of 18 500 CAN$ per year. The student will be registered in the Animal Science Master’s program at the University of Saskatchewan and will have to be selected by the Research Affiliate Program (http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/rap-par/index-eng.htm).
Candidate skills:
Bachelor degree in animal science or animal biology; or doctorate in veterinary science; or equivalent
Motivation for the study of animal welfare and behaviour
Knowledge of animal sciences, especially pig husbandry
Practical experience with pigs or farm animals would be an asset
Practical experience and knowledge in ethology would be an asset
Computer skills would be an asset
Valid driver’s licence
For information, please contact:
Harold GONYOU
Prairie Swine Centre
P.O.Box 21057
2105 8th Street East
Saskatoon, SK, S7H 5N9, Canada
harold.gonyou@usask.ca
(+1) 306 667 7443
(+1) 306 955 2510
Nicolas DEVILLERS
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dairy and Swine R&D Centre
2000 College St., PO Box 90
Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 1Z3, Canada
Nicolas.Devilers@agr.gc.ca
(+1) 819 565 9174
(+1) 819 564 5507