Postdoctoral Researcher in Dairy Cattle Grazing

Postdoctoral Researcher in Dairy Cattle Grazing

SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Umeå, Sweden

About the position

The typical Nordic milk production systems are based on indoor management of dairy cows and the forage mostly consists of grass silage. However, current Swedish regulations on animal welfare requires a partial outdoor management of the cows during the summer period. In addition, grazing contributes to lowering feed costs, improve health and welfare of cows, increase biodiversity, and improve the public image of dairy production. Knowledge about the nutritional and metabolic impact of moving cows to pasture in Sweden and the other Nordic countries is scarce. The current knowledge of cattle nutrition under grazing shows that milk production may be compromised due to nutritional and metabolic unbalances. Thus, knowledge on how moving cows from an indoor feeding system to a part-time grazing system impacts the nutritional and metabolic balance of the animals would be useful to develop nutritional tools applicable to adjust the cows’ diet and avoid a drop in milk production.

The first objective of this project is to investigate the effect of moving Nordic high-yielding dairy cows from a complete indoor feeding system to a part-time grazing feeding system on feed intake, milk production and composition, blood metabolites, and efficiency of nitrogen utilization. The second objective is to test different adjustments in the indoor diet that can optimize pasture utilisation and milk production in part-time grazing systems to improve the economical sustainability of the system.

Tasks:

  • Conduct a grazing trial with dairy cows at the Röbäcksdalen research facility, including pasture measurements, grass sampling, and the collection of other biological samples
  • Perform sample analysis, manage data, and conduct statistical analysis of biological data
  • Author research articles for publication in international peer-reviewed journals within the relevant field
  • Actively contribute as a co-applicant for research funding and develop independent grant applications

Your profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a doctoral degree in animal science. The candidate should have documented experience in research related to ruminants.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be able to work well both independently and in a team and have the ability to independently plan and conduct research
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Documented experience in publishing in international scientific journals
  • A category B driving license is required
  • The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily looking for individuals who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years ago

Desirable Skills:

  • Research experience related to the grazing of dairy cows
  • Expertise in pasture management and growth conditions in Nordic climates
  • Experience in precision livestock management
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis using SAS and R

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