“Increasing sow output through implementation of pre-weaning interventions to keep weak piglets alive”
Ref: 2014221
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
Essential: Honours BSc/MSc in Agricultural or Veterinary Science (or other relevant discipline)
Self-motivated, and willing to work on animal trials IELTS Academic module 6.5 (a minimum of 6.0 in all sections).
See University website: http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/english/postgraduate/medicine-veterinary
Able to commence work before March 2015
Desirable: Full driving licence
Non-EU applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to self-fund their subsistence, as the stipend will only cover university fees. University of Edinburgh will not accept students without this assurance.
See University website for details (http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international)
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 a stipend of €22,000 per annum is available.
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 Keelin O’Driscoll, Teagasc, Pig Production Development Dept., Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland (keelin.odriscoll@teagasc.ie)
Closing date: 5 January 2015