Research student (2 years) in Animal Science

Dept. of Animal Nutrition and Management in Uppsala 1 Research student (2 years) in the research education subject: Animal Science Sleep and drowsing in dairy cows; do Swedish cows need more sleep? Background: In parallel with the increasing milk yield in modern dairy cows production diseases also increase and longevity decreases. Two of the main areas of concern for animal welfare as well as production economy in dairy production are the period of negative energy balance that occurs in early lactation and the high incidence of mastitis. A lot of research addresses these problems, often targeting improved nutrition and improved milking management to avoid severe problems. However, one area that has not been studied is the need the cows have for resting, to lie down, drowse and sleep. It is known from research on other species that sleep affects the endocrine system, immune function and metabolism. The licentiate project will include experimental work using EEG equipment to identify sleep and drowsing in dairy cows. Specific aims that may be included in the licentiate project are to: -quantify the need to lie down and to sleep in dairy cows in different stages of lactation -investigate the difference between sleep (REM and NREM sleep) and drowsing in dairy cows -investigate possible links between insufficient sleep and immune function in dairy cows -investigate possible links between insufficient sleep, energy expenditure and negative energy balance in dairy cows -suggest a tool for assessing whether dairy cows in commercial management systems get sufficient time to lie down and to sleep. Project description: This is a 2-year project leading to a licentiate degree. The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas and the department of Animal Nutrition and Management. The research student?s work will involve animal experimentation, data analysis and laboratory analysis of milk and blood samples. Qualifications A degree in Animal Science is preferred, candidates with a degree in Veterinary Medicine or Biology may also be considered. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of working with dairy cows is also a requirement. Computer and software skills and experience of working with EEG technology is valued. Good spoken and written English is necessary. Working hours will be flexible and the work may include short term visits at research units in other Nordic countries. Forms for funding or employment Employment as Research student 2 years SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level. Those who met the requirements for general eligibility before July 1st, 2007, i.e. had completed a programme of higher education for at least 180 Higher education credits or the equivalent, will continue to do so until the end of 2015." You will find more infromation at http://www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/new-phd-student/read-more/?Uid=573