Improving the nutrition and management of dairy cows: investigating social factors that influence health in the transition period PhD Studentship (Three years)

Given the significance of the transition period in dairy production, this PhD project will investigate the following three key research questions:
1. What is being done at farm level to manage the transition dairy cow, and what are the respective roles of farmers, nutritionists and veterinary advisors in optimising cow health and welfare during this period?
2. Are the perceptions of the success or failure of transition cow management supported by what is actually happening at farm level?
3. How do these case studies benchmark against management practices and standards across the wider dairy industry in the UK?

This project will utilize a combination of both social and biological sciences to assess transition cow nutrition and management on a series of case study dairy farms in England. To investigate how scientific knowledge and industry best practice advice is being implemented at farm level, the project will utilise a qualitative methodology involving semi-structured interviews with a range of relevant stakeholders involved in transition cow health and welfare including dairy farmers, vets, dairy consultants and nutritionists. To make objective scientific assessments of how well transition cows are being fed and managed on these case farms, a series of measurements will be made, including biochemical analysis of samples such as feed rations and milk. Cows will also be body condition scored, and an assessment made of dry cow housing looking at factors such as trough space, water quality, stocking density, cow comfort and calving management. Herd health records and basic production parameters will be assessed. Based on the findings of these case studies, the information gathered will then be used to formulate and conduct a nationwide questionnaire survey on transition cow management practices across the wider dairy sector. Benefits to the UK dairy industry.

The project will be of interest to highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in dairy cow health, nutrition and husbandry; the use of social science methodologies in research; and the desire to apply scientific knowledge to the service of agriculture and veterinary science. The study will provide an evidence base on which to focus future knowledge exchange with farmers, veterinarians, consultants and dairy nutritionists. The project will make recommendations concerning the key challenges in implementing industry best practice for the optimal management of the transition dairy cow, with the overall aim of improving dairy cow health and welfare.

The studentship will begin in September 2018