SAC is a Scottish organisation dedicated to innovation and the transfer of knowledge to the land based industries. Our 900 staff provide research, consultancy, education and training services to the rural and environmental sector via a nation-wide network of 3 campuses and around 40 business units.
This is a two-year MSc funded by AB Vista (a division of AB Agri Ltd). This studentship will investigate the role of dietary electrolyte balance (Na and K especially) in relation to P levels on the efficacy of two different phytases, which have been shown to respond differently to mineral levels. The student will also be able to investigate how the two phytases respond to different levels of micro minerals in the diet. Responses of interest will be growth performance, nutrient utilisation, litter quality, bone mineralisation and whole-body minerals accretion. The results from the study will provide information for use in the feed industry to make poultry diets in an environmentally sustainable way.
Phytase is routinely used in the diets of livestock and poultry to reduce the need for dietary inorganic phosphorus supplementation, decrease phosphorus excretion to the environment and thus improve animal performance in a more sustainable way. The supplementation of phytase increases the availability of phosphorus, primarily, but also other minerals including Calcium, and a host of micro minerals. The availability of these micro minerals may reduce the need for trace mineral supplementation in the diet. As phytase hydrolyzes phytic acid (an electrochemically negative compound) there are indications that there are subsequent changes in the chemical milieu of the digesta thus creating an environment in which the need for dietary Na may be less than the levels currently being used. Over-supplementation of Na, routinely added as common salt, has important ramifications for the electrolyte balance of the diet, endogenous nutrients losses, growth performance and litter quality.
Applicants should have a minimum of a lower second class BSc honours degree or equivalent in Agriculture (Animal Sciences) or related biological sciences. In addition applicants are expected to have a good grasp of biochemistry, biology and microbiology. Previous experience of research in a laboratory and animal facility would be an advantage. Knowledge of statistical analysis software (SAS or Genstat) is desirable. The successful student will be required to attend and present research results in national and international conferences. This studentship is funded for UK/EU applicants.
The stipend for this studentship is £13,600 per annum. In addition University of Glasgow fees will also be paid. The expected start date for the studentship is May 2012. The student will be based in the Avian Science Research Centre of the Scottish Agricultural College in Auchincruive Estate, Ayr.
Application packs are available on our website www.sac.ac.uk/vacancies or from audrey.johnstone@sac.ac.uk Tel 0131 535 4028 quoting reference SAC/1024815/Olukosi. To have an informal discussion about this studentship, contact Dr. Oluyinka Olukosi, Avian Science Research Centre, Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr, KA6 5HW Email: Oluyinka.olukosi@sac.ac.uk Telephone: 01292 525103
The closing date for the return of applications is 12 noon on 27th February 2012
