New PhD position:
On-farm edible enrichment studies to reduce injurious pecking in pullets and laying hens.
University of Guelph, Canada
Eggs have the lowest environmental impact of any animal protein. Therefore, protecting the health and welfare of birds kept for egg-laying has a high priority. One of the challenges for farmers keeping egg-laying hens is the occurrence of injurious pecking, where bird-to-bird pecking damages the integument of other birds, even in scenarios where birds have outdoor access. This project will examine the effectiveness of commercially available edible enrichment to enhance foraging and, thereby, reduce injurious pecking in pullets and laying hens in non-cage housing. The proposed field studies investigate birds' motivation to interact with edible enrichment, which location(s) is/are most feasible within the system, and quantify effects on injurious pecking/integument damage in pullets/laying hens, and production outcomes throughout lay. We are looking for highly motivated PhD (3-4 years) and MSc (1-2 years) students starting September 2023 (could be January 2024 for the right candidate).
Qualifications
- An undergraduate degree in animal sciences, veterinary sciences, biology or equivalent
- Demonstrable organizational skills, perseverance and an independent, proactive working style
- Great work ethic, willingness to learn and enthusiastic mindset as a team player
- Proficient communication in English (oral and written)
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A valid driving license in Ontario (eligible to drive a rental car)
- Willingness to travel for farm visits
- Experience with data collection, integration and analysis
- Experience with communicating research findings
Additionally, experience with laying hens/livestock, interacting with farm personnel, and practicing good field research etiquette is an asset. While help and guidance will always be available from project leaders, successful candidates are expected to take the initiative for this project and make autonomous decisions regarding the project specifics. The students will be expected to communicate project findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, and progress reports for funding bodies.
We recognize that not everyone may have had the opportunity to gain the skills listed above, and many can be learned on the job. If you think you are a suitable candidate do not hesitate to apply! The successful candidates will join members of one of the world’s largest and most dynamic interdisciplinary groups of scientists and graduate students focusing on animal welfare (https://www.uoguelph.ca/ccsaw/). The University of Guelph, located in southwestern Ontario, is one hour from Toronto and home to the Ontario Agricultural College and the Ontario Veterinary College. For any questions related to the project or the process, please feel free to contact us Dr. Alexandra Harlander: aharland@uoguelph.ca Dr. Tina Widowski: twidowsk@uoguelph.ca Dr. Nienke van Staaveren: n.vanstaaveren@uu.nl
Application
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter detailing their motivation and qualifications for the position, their up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) showing a strong academic record (unofficial transcript MSc applications), and the contact information for two qualified references. Please send your full application to Dr. Harlander (PI) by email at aharland@uoguelph.ca
