PhD Studentship Available - Roslin Institute, Edinburgh
Suit Student with Statistics or Numerical Biology/Genetics Training
Genetic control of competition in chickens. This project will explore new genetic selection strategies that reduce deleterious competitive interactions between chickens. This may benefit both overall performance of group housed birds and individual bird welfare. Genetic selection in chickens as in other species focuses on individual performance and success. This selection criterion ignores the potential deleterious effect that competitive success of the individual may have on its less competitive contemporaries. In this project the genetic contribution to competitive interactions between birds will be determined through statistical analyses of data from the poultry breeding company Aviagen. Based on these results, new approaches to selection will be explored. This research is largely computer based and will involve data analysis, simulation and modeling. It would suit a student with an interest in animal breeding, applied statistics or similar subjects. The project is sponsored by a BBSRC - Genesis Faraday CASE studentship and Aviagen Ltd. and as such the student will benefit from a stipend enhanced by £2500 over the standard CASE award and a close interaction between academic research and industry. Please contact Professor Chris Haley ([log in to unmask]) or Dr. Peter Visscher ([log in to unmask]) to apply or for further information.
Start: 1st October 2004
Closing Date for Applications: 1st May 2004
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