Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Animal Science
Analysis of factors affecting expression of cryptochrome genes in chicken cell cultures
Cryptochrome is a protein involved in circadian (daily cycle) regulation of gene expression in mammals and birds. It expression is regulated by light and possibly magnetic field intensity. The project aims to look at mRNA levels of three cryptochrome transcripts using PCR. The project will involve tissue culture under various conditions, extraction of mRNA and PCR amplification and/or Northern blot analysis of cryptochrome genes.
Supervisor
Dr Nigel Urwin
Use of two dimensional gel electrophoresis to detect sex-specific proteins in allantoic fluid from embryonated chicken eggs
In egg production euthanasia of day old male chicks is common since they are not required. There are negative ethical implications to this practice and improving welfare of chicks by removal of males at an earlier stage of development prior to hatching would be preferable. This would rely on accurate sexing of embryos in ovo . The project aims to identify male of female specific proteins present in the allantoic fluid of eggs. The project will involve protein gel electrophoresis of allantoic fluid samples and use of techniques for enrichment of rare proteins.
Supervisor
Dr Nigel Urwin
The role of androgens in programming the growth of piglets
We are looking at the role of these hormones in programming the development of the growing pig. The project is funded by the Pork CRC.
Supervisor
Prof Peter Wynn
Effect of analgesics on pain behaviour in beak-trimmed chickens
Laying chickens are routinely beak-trimmed at day-old. There is concern that this practice may cause short and long term pain to chickens. Research in this area could investigate pain behaviour in chicks and develop best practice guidelines for beak-trimming.
Supervisor
Dr Raf Freire
Misbehaviour and welfare of horses
This project aims to improve rider safety and horse welfare through the adoption of scientifically-validated management practices or natural horsemanship training which reduces the risk of dangerous misbehaviour in the horse.
Supervisor
Dr Raf Freire
Spatial distribution and dispersal behaviour in sheep
Living in groups is widely considered to provide animals with benefits which outweigh the costs arising from increased competition for resources. In groups, grazing animals can be expected to alter movement and spatial distribution in order to minimise the effects of competition from other group members. However, experimental evidence showing the relationships between space, effects of resource distribution and social factors is scarce.
Supervisor
Dr Raf Freire
Use of potato vines for silage
Work on this has previously been done in Pakistan with domestic potato varieties and it works very well. So, we would like to conduct further research in this area with NSWDPI staff here in Wagga to see if it could be a viable option here and also develop further recommendations for improvements in Pakistan. In the experiment, we will first have to harvest the fresh potato vines and get the results for proximate analysis, glycoalkaloid levels as well as a few other measurements. If these results show that the potato vines grown in Australia are suitable for silage production we can then move to the second phase of the experiment where we will make the potato vine silage. The methodology is very much similar as making other crop silages. Initially we plan to run the experiment using small/medium quantities, then after 90 days we can check the ensiling process and analyse the material as an animal feed. At the end of this experiment we will write a report on this product and establish its commercial viability for use in Australia and Pakistan. The project will be financed from our ACIAR funds.
Supervisor
Prof Peter Wynn
Key issues that influence the productivity of small-holder dairy farmers in Pakistan
This may involve factors in influencing milk quality coming from small-holder dairy farmers in Punjab state, it may be associated with the development of milk marketing systems for the milk leaving their farms or it may involve an investigation of the role of women on small-holder dairy farms. Subject to the Dean’s approval the project would most likely involve a 3 week period in Pakistan in late January/early February 2010.
Supervisor
Prof Peter Wynn