New insights into rumen acidosis from the volatile metabolome measured using SIFT mass spectrometry

This project will use new selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) equipment to provide a detailed analysis of cow breath and use it to explore mechanisms associated with sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA). The student will use a series of in vitro rumen incubations and in vivo studies to explore factors affecting the release of volatile organic compounds that may be involved in the aetiology of SARA. The initial focus will be on volatile amines produced by fermentation of amino acids under low pH conditions, though comprehensive analysis of gas samples using SIFT-MS may allow us to study novel pathways.

The student will be registered for the degree of PhD at the University of Glasgow and will need to meet UofG entry requirements as a minimum. We expect candidates to have experience of ruminant nutrition and production, with evidence of an aptitude for work with farm livestock, analytical instruments, data handling and analysis, as well as written and oral presentations.

The studentship will commence 1st October 2019, with work being conducted at SRUC campuses at Easter Bush (Edinburgh) and Dumfries (Dairy Centre). The student will also have the opportunity to work with collaborators using GC-MS at the INRA research centre in Clermont-Ferrand.

Further particulars can be found at: www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/bahcm/socialmedia/srucuoginra/

Please complete the equal opportunities monitoring form available by clicking on the relevant studentship on the SRUC website: www.sruc.ac.uk/

SRUC - Scotland’s Rural College, delivers comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industry founded on world class, sector leading research, education and consultancy. SRUC’s joint submission with the University of Edinburgh to the Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science subpanel of the Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) ranks top in the UK on research power.

Any questions should be sent to SRUC’s Postgraduate Administrator [Email Address Removed] quoting reference SRUC/2019-03/Dewhurst

CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form. If English is not an applicant’s first language, an approved English language certificate may be required – see link to further particulars above for more details.

To have an informal discussion about this studentship, contact Professor Richard Dewhurst, [Email Address Removed], phone: 0131 535 4050.