SAC Research

Animal & Veterinary Science Projects

Humane mechanical methods for killing poultry

The aim of this PhD project is to identify a new, or modify an existing, mechanical device to kill chickens (hens and broilers) reliably, swiftly and humanely. The tool should be inexpensive and simple to use for people of varying strength, with little maintenance required. To achieve this, the student will: a) conduct a literature review investigating current methods, focussing on mechanical techniques currently used in poultry and other species (e.g. the Rabbit Zinger); b) learn how to identify robust and validated descriptions of the visible signs and reflexes associated with brain indicators of loss of consciousness and death, using electroencephalogram (EEG) techniques; c) apply a selection of mechanical techniques to EEG-instrumented hens and broilers of various ages to assess time to unconsciousness and death (this may require prior modification of a technique to be suitable for poultry, in which case this will be tested on dead birds first); d) identify the best mechanical method and, if warranted to be humane, to cull broilers and hens of various ages with the technique, and assess its effectiveness by behavioural and physiological methods; e) to develop a training guide to accompany the identified device, and to train a selection of stockworkers/poultry staff; f) to collect data from birds culled by those people trained in e) with the selected best technique, to demonstrate its effectiveness and reliability. The student will be aligned with a current project (Defra MH0145) and will thus have access to additional resources and staff, including Dr Dorothy McKeegan from the University of Glasgow (pain and EEG specialist), Mr Jules Sparrey (engineer and culling specialist), and a post doctoral researcher working on the project. It should be emphasised that the Defra-funded project is focussed on existing techniques and primarily on cervical dislocation so there is complementarity but not significant overlap with the studentship. SAC and the University of Glasgow hold the necessary Home Office licenses to conduct the work suggested. In addition, the PhD student will be sent for PIL training.

Identification, investigation and implementation of plant-based parasite control strategies

The overall aim of this programme of work is to evaluate anti-parasitic efficacy, identify detrimental side effects, determine safety margins and investigate the mode of action of Ethiopian and UK plant preparations for preventative helminth- and ecto-parasite control in sheep. This overall aim will be addressed through five sequential sub-objectives. 1. To assemble an inventory of plants used in ethno-veterinary practices in Ethiopia to combat helminth- and ectoparasites, and to collect Ethiopian and UK plant preparations. 2. To screen plant preparations in vitro for their anti-parasitic properties against gastrointestinal nematodes, using worm egg hatching, larval motility and adult survival assays, and against ecto-parasites, using topical application on mites, lice and ticks. 3. To test bio-active plant preparations in vivo using mice, infected with Heligmosomoides bakeri as a model for chronic infection of small ruminants with gastrointestinal nematode parasites. 4. To test the most effective bio-active plant preparations in vivo using sheep, infected with the endo-parasites Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta, that are the most invasive endo-parasites for Ethiopia and Scotland, respectively, and infected with Psoroptes ovis (scab mite). 5. On-farm demonstrations of the most promising approaches in naturally infected sheep in both Ethiopia and the UK through a monitor farm approach, where groups of farmers jointly manage a flock or farm and implement new technologies.

Novel technologies for surveillance of emerging and re-emerging infections of wildlife

Study to identify the welfare costs and benefits of existing and novel on-farm culling methods of poultry

Objective 1 Systematically identify and verify readily observable responses and reflexes that are reliably associated with different states of consciousness and death in domestic fowl Objective 2 Monitor the behaviour, reflex responses and electroencephalogram of individual birds (representative species and a range of ages) during the application of techniques used to cull poultry on-farm Objective 3 Determine the effect of relevant external factors such as operator and fatigue on the efficacy and welfare consequences of on-farm culling methods Objective 4 Update guidelines on culling small numbers of poultry

Assessment of the efficacy of on-farm biosecurity measures for controlling Campylobacter

Objective 1 To identify what is required to maximise the efficacy of current biosecurity procedures (eg sanitising hands, disinfecting footwear, clothing and footwear changes). This will be done using participatory research tools. (Efficacy is defined here as the likelihood that procedures will be correctly completed on all occasions.) Objective 2 To quantify whether there exists additional benefits of using fly screens and other fly-control measures with current biosecurity procedures. Objective 3 To quantify whether there exists additional benefits of using hygiene barriers with current biosecurity procedures. Objective 4 To quantify whether there exists additional benefits of using commercially available water treatments with current biosecurity procedures. Objective 5 To quantify whether there exists additional benefits of using a combination of the efficacious interventions with current biosecurity procedures. Objective 6 To determine optimal, cost-effective, biosecurity protocols for UK chicken farms. Objective 7 To promulgate the optimal biosecurity protocols for UK chicken farms to end-users. Objective 8 To speciate and type (using MLST) Campylobacter isolated during the study and to use these data to identify any strain or attribution-specific effects of interventions.

The nutritional value for poultry of biofuel co-products

Determine and improve the nutritional value of wheat DDGS from bio-fuel production in the UK and develop recommendations for its use in poultry diets. The material will originate with Ensus, but it is hoped that Vivergo will participate in the provision of material when available.

Quarterly benchmarking of pig health data by individual farm units and slaughterer/processor

Improve health of Scottish pig herd

Parasite Control Climate Change PhD Studentship

PhD Studentship

Delivering knowledge exchange for control of paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) with Scottish cattle farmers (PARABAN)

Exchange knowledge about PTB with the whole production chain. Optimise testing/control regimens for Scottish beef and dairy farms. Determine the most cost effective approach to PTB control. Deliver a legacy of best practice guidance for control of PTB in cattle.

The environmental consequences of using home-grown legumes as a protein source in pig diets

The overall aim of this proposal is to investigate the potential of using home grown legumes, such as peas and beans, in the diets of growing/finishing pigs in order to reduce the environmental burdens associated with their production. Emphasis will be placed on the consequences of legume inclusion on environmental burden (nutrient excretion and its influence on diffuse pollution from pig operations) but also on pig performance. Furthering knowledge and understanding of the nutritional value of homegrown vegetable proteins is of considerable importance and would also lead to further interest in the cultivation of new cultivars by plant breeders.