Research Supervisor Connect
This newly funded Australian Research Council Linkage project aims to secure sustainable chicken-meat production by the radical reduction or even elimination of imported soybean meal as the primary protein source in Australian broiler diets by its replacement with feed-grade amino acids and local feedstuffs. The student will explore starch/glucose and protein/amino acid digestive dynamics in poultry diets based on wheat, the primary feed grain in Australia; however, wheat does inherently possess nutritional disadvantages in comparison to maize. This research project collaborates with the leading international animal nutrition company and strongly supported by industries in Australia and overseas. The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with industry partners to identify future career opportunities. Meanwhile, this inter-disciplinary project collaborates with Charles Perkins Centre within the University of Sydney, the candidate is expected to share time between the Camperdown and Camden campuses. Beyond poultry production, the project also explores the physiological mechanisms for synchrony of nutrient digestion, absorption and metabolism; investigates symbiosis between a microbial community and the animal system and how this influence on food safety, bird health and welfare. The supervisory team has strong academic track-record and industry linkage, we sim to find solutions for global food security via sustainable poultry production. We look forward for you to join our team. The successful applicant will also be supported by a stipend scholarship of $35,950 p.a. for 3.5 years.
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Chicken-meat is the dominant animal protein for Australians and its shortage threatens our national food security as we experienced during pandemic. Its supply is currently under pressure due to increasing feed cost and consumer demand. Feed cost represents 70-80% total production cost and imported soybean meal is the primary protein source for chicken feed and since 2019, its cost has increased by 80%. The Australian chicken-meat industry presently imports around 700,000 tonnes of soybean meal which leads to a $327 million increase on feed cost alone. This project aims to develop soybean meal free poultry diets for Australian chicken-meat industry by using local feed ingredients and feed-grade amino acids under antibiotic-free production systems. Consequently, dietary protein will be dropped by 3-5% to reduce ammonia emission, improve bird welfare and flock health by improving little quality and shed environment. The poultry industry will be more resilient from enhanced sustainability and productivity with predicable feed cost.
HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirements may include:
- Animal, Biological and Veterinary Sciences related bachelor or master degree;
- Have no issue working and conduct euthanization and sample collection with poultry;
- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)
You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3237