Deadline: 24 March 2023
I. Background
Ireland’s competitive advantage in lamb meat production is based on the efficient production and utilization of grazed pasture. One of the major constraints to achieving higher animal performance from pasture-based systems is the difficulty in achieving optimum growth rates from grazed grass only diets.
The overall objective of the proposed project is to provide knowledge on the growth pattern of lowland lambs, building a model allowing for the prediction of lamb growth from early life data and ultimately determining the proportion of growth driven by genetics and the relationship between lamb growth and sward quality.
Herbage composition declines as the grazing season progresses therefore understanding the relationship between sward quality and lamb performance is crucial when implementing management decisions on farm. The subsequent consequences of delayed versus accelerated growth on lamb days to slaughter and carcass quality will be investigated in this study. Days to slaughter are one of the primary traits affecting greenhouse gas emissions in meat sheep.
This study will examine the impact of this trait on the overall carbon footprint of the animal and the influence this has on farm profitability. Lastly, the impact of genetic selection on lamb growth will be examined and the feasibility of improving lamb management post-weaning will be investigated. There will be opportunities throughout the programme for professional development training, conference attendance and international travel to expand your research interest.
II. Requirements
- Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours) or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Animal/agricultural science, Genetics, statistics).
- The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for field work and statistical analysis of farm data.
- Fluent English language skills and a full EU driving license are essential.
- Please see here for English language requirements
III. Award
- The PhD is a joint research project between Teagasc, Athenry and University College Dublin.
- The student will be based primarily in Teagasc Athenry under the supervision of Dr Fiona McGovern and will work closely with Prof. Tommy Boland in UCD.
- The Scholarship will commence in September 2023. Funding is €24,000 per annum and includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum and is tenable for 4 years.
IV. How To Apply?
- Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest simultaneously to: Dr Fiona McGovern ([email protected] ) and
Prof Tommy Boland ([email protected]) - For further information, please contact :
- Dr Fiona McGovern, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway. Phone +353 (0)91845276 email: [email protected]
- Prof Tommy Boland, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin Phone +353 (0)1 716 7144 email: [email protected]
