Category: Graduate School Opportunity

Project Title: Linking cow/calf performance to cow behavior (habitat and diet selection) and cattle genomics

Degree Opportunities: PhD Preferred (×3). Applicants at the MSc level also considered.

Timelines: Preferred start date of May 1, 2021, though positions will remain open until filled.

Project Description: We are seeking graduate students to work on a new multi-disciplinary project linking cattle behavior (habitat and diet selection) under open-range grazing conditions, with production performance (weight gain and methane emissions), through the combined application of beef cattle and forage plant genomics. Field work will take place at the Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch, situated 140 km SE of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. At least 3 positions are available, and include the following:

– PhD evaluating seasonal cow/calf production (weight gain and methane emissions) while grazing open rangelands (Aspen Parkland environment).

– PhD evaluating the use of novel technologies (GPS units, pedometers and virtual fencing) to characterize and quantify animal behavior (habitat selection and activity) while grazing, as well as the forage genome using fecal DNA barcoding.

– PhD linking cattle genomics to animal behavior and production/environmental outcomes.

For more information about the program and how to apply, see their info sheet. 

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky is seeking a motivated graduate student with an interest in calf and heifer management, an interest in ruminant nutrition or an interest in precision livestock management for Spring 2022 (or Fall 2021). The student should have a background in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Biology, Data Science, or Animal Behavior to work at Dr. Costa’s lab. At least some experience with animal agriculture is desired.

To read more about this opportunity, read the info sheet and visit their website.

To express interest or to ask questions please contact: Dr. Joao Costa at costa@uky.edu. Please title the email: Graduate Assistant Position Interest

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