Job Wageningen University and Research centre - PhD

Traditionally veal calves were fattened on a diet exclusively consisting of milk replacer. Calves fed in this manner consistently showed a range of serious behavioural and health problems. To improve the welfare of veal calves, provision of some solid feed is compulsory in the European Union since 1997. Nevertheless, abnormal behaviour is still occurring and health problems related to impaired rumen development, milk replacer leaking into the rumen, and abomasal lesions remain predominant. Until now, feeding strategies for veal calves were based mainly on nutritional and commercial considerations, and legislation. To optimize feeding strategies from an animal’s perspective, fundamental knowledge is required about behavioural needs and dietary preferences.

This PhD project aims to develop novel roughage-based feeding strategies for veal calves that respond better to their behavioural needs. Experiments will be conducted to assess feed preferences and determine effects of free feed selection of feed components on behaviour, health and performance. Furthermore, effects of different feeding strategies on general internal state such as arousal, frustration, and motivation will be studied using behavioural observations, behavioural tests, and operant methods. Finally, effects of different feeding strategies on behaviour and health will be studied in a commercial setting.
This project is funded by the NOW/LNV research programme “The Value of Animal Welfare”. It will be conducted in close collaboration with a PhD focussing on physiology and nutritional aspects of different feeding strategies, and a Postdoc focussing on environmental and economic trade offs of different feeding strategies.

University Graduate
The candidate should
-have completed an academic study in biology, animal sciences or veterinary sciences; -have experience with research in the area of animal behaviour;
-have demonstrable knowledge of designing experiments, data processing, and data analysis;
-have good communication skills in English language (oral and written);
-be able to communicate with scientists and people from the industry;

To begin with, a PhD appointment for a period of 18 months. Continuation of the appointment with another 30 months will be based on performance evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2042,= in the first year rising to € 2612,= per month in the fourth year, based on a full time appointment

for more information
Project Novel

dr.ir. Eddie A.M. Bokkers
31 317 483196/483959
eddie.bokkers@wur.nl


Please be aware that this vanancy is only for one PhD (PhD 1 in het project plan)