Evaluation of complementary forages for the Australian dairy industry
Summary
This PhD research opportunity will use small-plot field studies to test aspects of forage production and quality, cows’ preference and effects on soil characteristics and health of those forage crops with the greatest potential to increase productivity from home-grown feed in Australian dairy farms.
Supervisor
Professor Sergio (Yani) Garcia.
Research location
Dairy Research Foundation
Program type
PHD
Synopsis
FutureDairy, a national, industry driven program of work, is looking at increasing milk production from home grown feed. Despite the current international crisis, the long term trends are for grain availability to be limited and the price of grain to be higher due to increased use for human consumption and ethanol production. This would result in higher costs of milk production for farms that rely more heavily on grain and concentrates as feed for dairy cows.An alternative is to produce more feed on farm. FutureDairy has achieved over 40 t DM/ha/year by means of a Complementary Forage Rotation involving 3 crops/year (CFR, Garcia et al. 20081). We have later combined CFRs with typical pastures into a so called Complementary Forage System (CFS). This system is demonstrating huge potential to increase total milk production up to about 30,000L/ha from home-grown feed. However, more work needs to be done to evaluate different forage alternatives that make better use of limited resources such as water and nutrients. Thus, the focus of this agronomic-based PhD project will be on the evaluation of more suitable forages for dairy farms including aspects of water use efficiency, nutrient response, effects on soil and the environment as well as animal preference.1 Grass and Forage Science Volume 63, Issue 3, Date: September 2008, Pages: 284-300
Additional information
- The scholarship comprises an annual stipend of $30,000.
- This project provides a unique opportunity to work in collaboration with other Feedbase-related projects in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland.
- We have a field research set up which includes up to 200 small plots fitted with a totally automated sprinkler-irrigation system.
- In addition we have plenty of irrigated land to conduct grazing studies including evaluations of cows’ preference and animal behaviour.
- Currently there are 3 PhD students in related projects (forage evaluation; CFS and rumen effect of forage diets)
- FutureDairy also offers PhD scholarships in the Precision Farming and Automatic Milking areas.
- All our scholarships target Australian and New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents who hold either an Honours or an MSc degree in Agriculture or related area. International students are also eligible to apply provided they have additional financial support to cover international tuition fees (~$27,000/year).
- Overseas applicants, please clearly indicate availability of funds and/or institutional support to cover international tuition fees at The University of Sydney.
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 requirement may include:
- 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;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- 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.
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Opportunity ID
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 838
Other opportunities with
Professor Sergio (Yani) Garcia
