Postdoctoral researcher in dairy cattle grazing

The typical Nordic milk production systems are based on indoor management of dairy cows and the forage mostly consists of grass silage. However, current Swedish regulations on animal welfare requires a partial outdoor management of the cows during the summer period. In addition, grazing contributes to lowering feed costs, improve health and welfare of cows, increase biodiversity, and improve the public image of dairy production. Knowledge about the nutritional and metabolic impact of moving cows to pasture in Sweden and the other Nordic countries is scarce. The current knowledge of cattle nutrition under grazing shows that milk production may be compromised due to nutritional and metabolic unbalances. Thus, knowledge on how moving cows from an indoor feeding system to a part-time grazing system impacts the nutritional and metabolic balance of the animals would be useful to develop nutritional tools applicable to adjust the cows’ diet and avoid a drop in milk production.

The first objective of this project is to investigate the effect of moving Nordic high-yielding dairy cows from a complete indoor feeding system to a part-time grazing feeding system on feed intake, milk production and composition, blood metabolites, and efficiency of nitrogen utilization. The second objective is to test different adjustments in the indoor diet that can optimize pasture utilisation and milk production in part-time grazing systems to improve the economical sustainability of the system. 

Tasks

• Conduct a grazing trial with dairy cows at the Röbäcksdalen research facility, including pasture measurements, grass sampling, and the collection of other biological samples
• Perform sample analysis, manage data, and conduct statistical analysis of biological data
• Author research articles for publication in international peer-reviewed journals within the relevant field
• Actively contribute as a co-applicant for research funding and develop independent grant applications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a doctoral degree in animal science. The candidate should have documented experience in research related to ruminants.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be able to work well both independently and in a team and have the ability to independently plan and conduct research
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Documented experience in publishing in international scientific journals
• A category B driving license is required
• The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily looking for individuals who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years ago

Desirable Skills

• Research experience related to the grazing of dairy cows
• Expertise in pasture management and growth conditions in Nordic climates
• Experience in precision livestock management
• Proficiency in statistical analysis using SAS and R 

The goal at our institution is to promote good animal husbandry and animal welfare as well as sustainable food production with high product quality. We do this through research and education on animals with a focus on feed and nutrition, management and the environment, ethology, animal ethics and animal welfare. We are about 125 employees working in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå and Gothenburg.

More information about the department: Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Umeå

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

100%

As agreed, but no later than 1 April 2025.

Please submit your application before deadline 17 February 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Contact person

URL to this pagehttps://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=12074&rmlang=UK