Posted by:
Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR)
Job description
Traditionally veal calves were fattened on a diet exclusively consisting of milk replacer. Calves fed in this manner consistently showed a range of serious behavioural and health problems. To improve the welfare of veal calves, provision of some solid feed is compulsory in the European Union since 1997. Nevertheless, abnormal behaviour is still occurring and health problems related to impaired rumen development, milk replacer leaking into the rumen, and abomasal lesions remain predominant. Until now, feeding strategies for veal calves were based mainly on nutritional and commercial considerations, and legislation. To optimize feeding strategies from an animals perspective, fundamental knowledge is required about behavioural needs and dietary preferences.
This PhD project aims to develop novel roughage-based feeding strategies for veal calves that respond better to their behavioural needs. Experiments will be conducted to assess feed preferences and determine effects of free feed selection of feed components on behaviour, health and performance. Furthermore, effects of different feeding strategies on general internal state such as arousal, frustration, and motivation will be studied using behavioural observations, behavioural tests, and operant methods. Finally, effects of different feeding strategies on behaviour and health will be studied in a commercial setting.
This project is funded by the NOW/LNV research programme The Value of Animal Welfare. It will be conducted in close collaboration with a PhD focussing on physiology and nutritional aspects of different feeding strategies, and a Postdoc focussing on environmental and economic trade offs of different feeding strategies.
Requirements
University Graduate
The candidate should
-have completed an academic study in biology, animal sciences or veterinary sciences; -have experience with research in the area of animal behaviour;
-have demonstrable knowledge of designing experiments, data processing, and data analysis;
-have good communication skills in English language (oral and written);
-be able to communicate with scientists and people from the industry;
Conditions of employment
To begin with, a PhD appointment for a period of 18 months. Continuation of the appointment with another 30 months will be based on performance evaluation. Gross salary per month 2042,= in the first year rising to 2612,= per month in the fourth year, based on a full time appointment
Contract typeOrganisation
Wageningen University and Research centre
Department
Group Animal Production Systems
Additional informationfor more information
Project Novel
dr.ir. Eddie A.M. Bokkers
31 317 483196/483959
eddie.bokkersatwur.nl
Please be aware that this vacancy is only for one PhD (PhD 1 in het project plan)
Post
Send your application to the address listed below. Always mention the job number AT DIE 2009-021 and refer to AcademicTransfer.
Animal Production Systems
Mr Dr. ir. Eddie Bokkers
Wageningen University
Postbus 338
6700 AH
Wageningen
The Netherlands
You can apply for this job before 3 December 2009 by sending your application (a letter with motivation for application and a curriculum vitae).
Job Title PhD Behavioural needs and preferences of veal calves in relation to feeding and effects of different
POST DETAILS
Org Name Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR)
Contact Person dr.ir. Eddie A.M. Bokkers
Tel +31 317 483196/483959
Fax
E-Mail eddie.bokkerswur.nl
City Wageningen
State/Province N
Country Netherlands
Application Deadline 03-Dec-09
