Development of a new strategy to improve dehorning wound healing and welfare in dairy calves, University of the West of England, Bristol, The studentship is available from 1 January 2023 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend (£16,602 per annum) Full-time tuition fees will be covered for three years for Home and Overseas applicants. Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students.
An opportunity to apply for a prestigious funded full-time PhD in the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences at UWE Bristol, Hartpury University and University of Bristol. The studentship will be fully funded by UWE Bristol and Hartpury University: Ref: 2223-JAN-HAS12
About the Studentship: Dehorning is a very commonly practiced procedure in dairy calves to facilitate animal management. The procedure is painful for the calves and requires the use of local analgesics. However, the effects of these analgesics are short lived, thus compromising animal welfare. There is little research regarding dehorning wound healing treatments in calves. The healing process is dependent on many factors (e.g. age of the animal, dehorning method) and can take several weeks during which time the wounds can become infected. With the increasing social concern and awareness for animal welfare, dehorning of dairy calves has received increasing attention from the public and the dairy industry.
Therefore, new strategies are needed to address pain mitigation, wound healing and infection control. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel, painless, antibiotic-free, non-thermal technology. CAP is produced by excitation of gas molecules using electrical discharges and has shown to eliminate a range of different microorganisms on a wide range of surfaces (e.g. food, steel, skin) and promote healing of injuries due to the reactive species it contains (e.g. oxygen/nitrogen).
The objectives of the study are to:
1) Assess the potential of CAP to promote dehorning wound healing and identify the best application method.
2) Assess the effect of CAP against microorganisms associated with dehorning wounds.
3) Evaluate the effect of CAP on dehorned dairy calves’ welfare and growth.
This project is a collaboration amongst UWE-Bristol, Hartpury University, and University of Bristol. The PhD student will join a multidisciplinary research group and receive excellent training and support from their supervisory team. The student will also benefit from a rich collaboration with an industrial partner that will help develop CAP technology further.
For more information, contact: Dr Alexandros Stratakos (alexandros.stratakos@uwe.ac.uk), Dr Day Teixeira (dayane.teixeira@hartpury.ac.uk) or Dr Daniel Enríquez (daniel.enríquez@bristol.ac.uk)
Funding details
The studentship is available from 1 January 2023 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend (£16,602 per annum) Full-time tuition fees will be covered for three years for Home and Overseas applicants.
Eligibility criteria
Applications are invited from ambitious, self-motivated and enthusiastic candidates. Applicants must have a First-Class or Upper Second-Class BSc in an appropriately related subject area (e.g. Microbiology, Biology, Veterinary Science) with a solid grounding in lab based research. Although not essential, a Master’s degree/MRes in a related discipline, and/or postgraduate laboratory experience is desirable.
The applicant will be based at both UWE Bristol and Hartpury University. Travel will be required between the two partners according to the requirements of the project and expenses will be covered.
A recognised English language qualification is required.
How to apply:
Please submit your application online using the reference number 2223-JAN-HAS12.
Supporting documentation: upload your research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts and proof of English language proficiency.
References: provide details of two referees as part of your application.
Expected start date: 1st January 2023. Closing date for applications: 28th August 2022.