Housing, management and wellbeing of dairy cows; consumer perceptions and cultural values

The project will be based at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham and is part of an exciting, research partnership with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB Dairy).
We would like to invite applications for a 3 year PhD position, funded by the AHDB Dairy, to investigate consumer views of modern dairy production systems. This studentship is one of three AHDB funded PhDs related to dairy cow environments and the studentships fit into a larger, cohesive project. The successful applicant will work within the Dairy Herd Health Group (www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/dairy-herd-health-group/index.aspx) and collaborate closely with the Centre for Applied Bioethics (www.nottingham.ac.uk/bioethics/).

Currently there is debate around housing and management systems for dairy cattle in the UK and Europe. The image of dairy farming is important for consumer confidence and therefore the sustainability and future success of the dairy industry. The aim of this project is to provide deeper insights into consumers’ attitudes on the management and wellbeing of dairy cows and investigate influence of factors such as demographics, knowledge, concerns and values on consumer beliefs and choices. This interdisciplinary PhD will be utilising tools from social veterinary epidemiology, consumer behaviour, sociology and psychology.

The successful applicant will be integrated into a large Dairy Herd Health Group containing an enthusiastic team of internationally recognised researchers and specialist clinicians. The aims of the group are to develop and advance dairy cow health and wellbeing, and to undertake world class research and knowledge transfer to the industry.

The successful candidate will have a drive to understand the complex relationships between consumers and farming, conduct interdisciplinary research, ability to learn quantitative and qualitative research methods and an enthusiasm to participate actively in public and farmer facing events. Experience in the dairy and/or veterinary sector would be an advantage. Further details are available on request.