The Potential Environmental Impacts and Social Acceptability of Genetic Changes in Livestock Traits

Project Reference: AG020

Value, Duration and Start Date of the Award
The Doctoral Training Award is for £20,000 per annum. This award covers fees and a contribution to an annual stipend (living expenses).

Three year PhD

Start Date: 14 September 2014

Sponsor
Science Agriculture and Engineering Faculty Doctoral Training Awards

Project Description
The project aims to develop sustainable breeding strategies for the global poultry and pig industries, by quantifying the environmental impact, resource use and social acceptability of genetic changes in different poultry and pig traits. These genetic changes will be achieved through conventional breeding as opposed to genetic modification. The specific objectives of the proposed project are:

1.Modify existing LCA frameworks to be able to account for changes in genetic traits
2.Assess the environmental impact benefits from past genetic selection (over the last 15-20yrs)
3.Consider the traits of interest when quantifying the environmental impacts of pig and poultry systems
4.Assess the sensitivity of the LCA frameworks to the above traits and their underlying assumptions
5.Quantify the effect of future changes in genetic selection on environmental impacts and resource use– (over a 15 or 20 year horizon)
6.Investigate how changes in these traits will affect the global land use change and resulting greenhouse gas emissions
7.Assess the social acceptability of the proposed changes in genetic traits that confer environmental impact benefits
The proposal will address its aims holistically, through the coordinated effort of natural and social scientists and in tandem with the relevant industries, so that the solutions offered safeguard natural resources whilst having social acceptability.

The proposed project is a collaboration between Newcastle University and the leading breeders of broiler chickens (Aviagen) and pig (Genus plc). The successful candidate will have first-hand experience of working close to industry and developing solutions appropriate for their business needs.

Name of the Supervisors
Professor Ilias Kyriazakis – School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development: Lead supervisor

Dr Ilkka Leinonen – School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

Dr Guy Garrod – Centre for Rural Economy

Dr Santiago Avendano – Head of R&D, Aviagen Ltd

Dr Pieter Knap – Head of R&D, Genus Plc

Person Specification and Eligibility Criteria
You must have a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Biological, Environmental, Animal and Veterinary Sciences and a postgraduate qualification in Genetics, Environmental Sciences or Clean Production/ Technology.

This award is available to UK/EU and International candidates. If English is not your first language, you must have a minimum IELTS 6.5.

Closing Date for Applications
Applications will be considered until Monday 18 August 2014. However, awards may be made to successful applicants before this date and early application is recommended.