“Increasing
sow output through implementation of pre-weaning interventions to keep weak
piglets alive”
Background
Sow output
in Ireland is below that in more efficient pig producing countries. If an Irish
500 sow unit could increase output to that achieved in The Netherlands (26.5
pigs/sow/year), net profit p.a. would increase by €35,650. This would further
stimulate growth of the national herd. Welfare and ethical concerns mean that
genetic selection for hyper-prolificacy has received negative publicity in other
countries where large litters of light, marginally viable pigs are associated
with increased mortality. Hence, increases in sow output in Ireland should be
achieved in a more sustainable manner.
The
objective of this PhD project is to increase sow output by improving piglet
survival. This will optimise the sows’ genetic potential for large litters by
increasing viability of the additional pigs born.
Initially
a herd survey regarding sow nutrition, stockmanship and other farrowing house
conditions and practices of relevance to piglet mortality will be carried out. This
will be followed by three experimental studies to investigate the strategic use
of 1) nurse sows, 2) rescue decks and 3) energy supplements on piglet vitality,
welfare and mortality. The ultimate measure of interest is piglet survival. The
student will investigate physical and behavioural indications of piglet welfare
from birth through to weaning. Measures of piglet health and vitality will be
assigned at birth and assessed during lactation, as well as monitoring of piglet
and sow behaviour throughout the lactation period. Finally, best practice
guidelines for optimisation of sow output will be prepared and results will be
disseminated effectively to enable prompt adoption by stakeholders with the aim
of realising Harvest 2020 targets.
Requirements
Applicants should
have an Honours degree (1H or 2H1) or a Masters in Agricultural Science, Veterinary
Science or other relevant discipline. Final year
undergraduate students likely to achieve these degree classifications are also
eligible to apply and may be awarded the PhD subject to the classification
being achieved. A full driving licence would be a distinct advantage. The
successful candidate should be self-motivated and will be expected to work on
animal trials as well as in the laboratory.
Award
The PhD Fellowship is
a joint research project between Teagasc, Moorepark, Scotland’s Rural College
(SRUC) and University of Edinburgh. The student will be based at the Teagasc
Research Centre at Moorepark Fermoy, Co. Cork and will be registered at University
of Edinburgh. The student may be required to undertake periods of trial work at
commercial pig farms, taught course work at SRUC/Edinburgh, and laboratory work
at other locations if deemed necessary during the project. This PhD project is funded by the Irish Government under
the National Development Plan 2007-2013. This studentship is for 3.5 years and
an allowance of €22,000 per annum is available. This allowance is intended to
cover both student maintenance and university fees.
Application
Procedure
Submit an electronic
copy of a Curriculum Vitae (to include the names and contact details of two
referees) and a cover letter simultaneously to:
·
Dr Emma Baxter, Animal and
Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian,
EH259RG, Scotland (emma.baxter@sruc.ac.uk)
·
Dr Laura Boyle, Teagasc, Pig Production
Development Dept., Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre,
Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland (laura.boyle@teagasc.ie)
·
Dr Peadar Lawlor, Teagasc, Pig Production
Development Dept., Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre,
Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland (peadar.lawlor@teagasc.ie)
Closing
date
30 June 2014