Reduction of nitrogen losses from dairy cattle production

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Animal and Veterinary Sciences programme. The position is available from 01 March 2025 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.

Title:
Reduction of nitrogen losses from dairy cattle production

Research area and project description:
We are seeking a dedicated PhD student for a 3-year position within the topic of nitrogen losses from dairy cows.
The impact of dairy production on environment and climate is of continued importance and interest. Studies suggest that phase feeding protein with high allowance in the early postpartum period followed by lower allowance can substantially enhance the nitrogen utilization by the cow. The importance of balancing for individual amino acids may be of great importance when reducing the protein supply to below normal accepted requirement levels.
The PhD project will focus on investigating the effect of phase feeding protein on persistency of milk production, the effect of feeding protein levels lower than requirements on milk production and body composition, and meta-analysis of milk protein yield in relation to dietary protein supply.

The project offers:

• A unique opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable agriculture and environmental-friendly milk production
• A stimulating academic environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• Collaboration with a range of university partners
• Collaborative projects that foster innovative thinking and practical implementation

Project description: For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Master’s degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or related fields. The candidate is expected to have:

• Understanding of ruminant nutrition and digestion.
• Experience with data analysis using at least one software.
• Ability and interest in collaborating across disciplines with project partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Good scientific and writing skills.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Research center Foulum, Blichers allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:

• Mogens Larsen, [email protected] (main supervisor)
• Martin Weisbjerg, [email protected] (co-supervisor)

How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application.

Application deadline is 31 December 2024 at 23:59 CET

Preferred starting date is 01 March 2025.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.

Please note:

• Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.