Find out more about self-funded PhD projects in areas where we already have supervisors active and engaged in the research topic in our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences.
AgriTech, Animal, and Environment Management
The welfare of farm animals, particularly during routine management practices, has become a focal point of research and public concern in recent years. One of the most common practices in sheep husbandry, particularly in the UK, involves tail docking, castration using rubber rings, and ear tagging, all of which are typically performed on lambs during the first few days of life. These procedures are considered essential for management efficiency, promoting herd health, and meeting industry standards. However, they are often carried out concurrently without the use of pain relief, which has led to questions regarding the cumulative impact on the welfare of lambs. While these practices are widespread, there is limited scientific evidence on the combined effects of these procedures when performed together, particularly concerning pain and distress. Furthermore, the potential benefits of introducing pain relief into these procedures have not been fully explored.
This research aims to fill this gap by investigating the welfare implications of concurrently performing tail docking, castration, and ear tagging without pain relief, as well as examining the potential benefits of introducing appropriate pain relief measures. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of these practices, the study will contribute valuable insights to improve animal welfare outcomes in lamb husbandry, and provide evidence-based recommendations that could influence both industry standards and policy.
Keywords: animal welfare, sheep, castration, ear-tagging, tail docking, pain
The PhD will be part of the vibrant Anglia Ruskin University multi-disciplinary / inter-disciplinary research community, more specifically within the AgriTech, Animal, and Environment Management Research Group. For more information, please contact: Dr Nnenna Ugwu at [email protected].
This project is self-funded.
Details of studentships for which funding is available are selected by a competitive process and are advertised on our jobs website as they become available.
If you wish to be considered for this project, you will need to apply for our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences PhD. In the section of the application form entitled 'Outline research proposal', please quote the above title and include a research proposal.
Dr David Marlin
Equine
The girth is a critical yet understudied component of the saddle system. Poor girth design or inappropriate tension may contribute to uneven saddle pressure distribution, discomfort, impaired performance, and adverse physiological responses in horses. While research has focused extensively on saddle fit and rider biomechanics, the specific influence of girths on overall saddle dynamics and equine well-being remains insufficiently explored.
Objectives:
The methods will involve both qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection and analysis. It may also involve creation of a device to be recommended to check girth tension (taper gauge).
Expected Outcomes:
Significance:
This research aims to bridge a critical knowledge gap in equine biomechanics and welfare. The results could lead to innovations in girth fitting standards, thereby enhancing the performance and longevity of sport horses while promoting humane treatment.
This project is self-funded.
Details of studentships for which funding is available are selected by a competitive process and are advertised on our jobs website as they become available.
If you wish to be considered for this project, you will need to apply for our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences PhD. In the section of the application form entitled 'Outline research proposal', please quote the above title and include a research proposal.
Rewilding, woodland management
In this project you will work collaboratively with the Wilderness Foundation to assess the invertebrate biodiversity of Mann Wood, an ancient semi-natural woodland with a history of coppicing with standards management. The aim of the project is to quantify the present patterns of biodiversity within the woodland, particularly in relation to past coppicing management, and to inform future management practices. The Wilderness Foundation is committed to a balance between biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, rewilding and human-nature connection. You will be instrumental in helping them determine how they can best manage Mann Wood in the context of these principles.
The wood has been well studied in terms of butterflies and to a lesser extent moths, but little is known about its other invertebrate inhabitants. You will use a range of sampling techniques to quantify invertebrate communities at multiple locations within the wood. The coppicing of the wood over the past 75 years has created a patchwork of plots of different ages that provides an almost unique opportunity to assess the effect of time after management on biodiversity. You will also be able to use other local protected woodlands as control comparisons for Mann Wood.
As well as the areas of forest cover there are also some smaller areas of open habitat, specifically open meadow and rides. These provide a contrast in habitat type and you will assess how important the presence and management of these are for the overall biodiversity of the site.
With the context of the climate and biodiversity crisis in which we find ourselves, it is important that we understand the consequences of our management choices. Your work will help to inform the present debate in ecology between those who advocate for a rewilding approach to woodland management, which involves as little intervention as possible, and those who favour repeated management to maximise biodiversity.
This project is self-funded.
Details of studentships for which funding is available are selected by a competitive process and are advertised on our jobs website as they become available.
If you wish to be considered for this project, you will need to apply for our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences PhD. In the section of the application form entitled 'Outline research proposal', please quote the above title and include a research proposal.