The Opportunity: Masters Degree in Biological Engineering or Animal and Poultry Science, Poultry Transportation Research
The Project:
There are many issues facing the broiler industry when transporting broiler chickens to the processing plant during cold conditions. One of those issues is the transport of broilers with damp or wet feathers. It is thought that the insulative value of the feathers is decreased when the feathers become wet, thus making the broilers more vulnerable when exposed to low temperatures. The objective of this experiment is to develop a method of assessing the amount of moisture held within the feathers using moisture-sensing devices that are commercially available but are used to detect moisture in other materials (i.e. bales of hay, leaves, wood). The initial testing will be conducted on a simulated broiler chicken and the accuracy of the best-performing device(s) will be validated using broilers from commercial flocks.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in biological engineering or animal science (or related field), with at least 70% cumulative weighted average over the last 2 years of study
- Familiar with the principles of instrumentation and the principles of heat and mass transfer
- An understanding of commercial livestock production and experience working with animals would be considered an asset
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- Must hold a valid driver's license, as travel to rural areas is required
Stipend:
A competitive graduate student stipend commensurate with the U of S College of Graduate Studies and Research guidelines is available to the successful candidate. The candidate would also be eligible to compete for internal and national scholorships.
Start Date: January, 2013
How To Apply: Please email your resume (or CV), undergraduate transcripts and contact information for 3 references to Megan Strawford:
Email: megan.strawford@usask.ca
If you have any questions please contact Megan at (306) 966-5771