Post Doctoral Position: Intake methodology – Emissions4Pasture Project title: Evaluate the use of indigestible markers to predict dry matter intake from grazing dairy cows in NZ.
Individual dry matter intake (DMI) is needed to calculate performance and efficiency from dairy cows. It is also a vital metric when evaluating efficacy and mode of action of methane mitigation technologies and practices, however, individual DMI cannot be measured directly from cows grazing pastures. Therefore, indirect methods are used, which include housing cows in facilities with intake measurement capacity (e.g., Calan Gate or Hokofarm RIC Feeding Systems) and feeding cut and carry pasture, or predicting DMI from grazing cows using energetic calculations, or indigestible markers such as alkanes, titanium dioxide, or ytterbium. However, there are limitations with the indirect measures. DairyNZ has recently collaborated with Teagasc to review the methodology to mitigate these limitations, thus the objective of this post-doc is to continue to collaborate with Teagasc to evaluate and refine the methodology for New Zealand conditions. The post-doc is funded by MPI as part of the NZ:Ireland Joint Research Initiative (JRI) project 'Emissions4Pasture'.
Job Objectives: Duties and Responsibilities specific to the post-doc: Planning and implementation of animal experiments with dairy cows, involving animal management, feeding, and sampling (feed and faecal), conducted at Lye Farm, HamiltonLaboratory tasks including preparation of indigestible markers, sample processing and analyses (in house and with external contractors). Trial preparation and implementation,Data collection, collation, and interrogation,Preparation and submission of at least one manuscript to a peer reviewed Journal as lead author.Contribution and writing of reports and stakeholder communications.Skills requirement PhD in agricultural or animal science, or a related disciplineDemonstrated research and technical expertise in the planning, implementation, and analyses of data from animal field trials.Evidence of research activity including scientific publications and presentations.A team player, with ability to support, guide and develop team members and PhD students. Evidence of collaboration with relevant external partners.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to generate new ideas, critically evaluate concepts and develop solutions.Experience in dairy cow physiology or ruminant nutrition research.This is a two-year position. An alternative location for some periods of the post-doc position may be considered.
Applications close Wednesday 1st May 2024, 11.55pm.
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