Animal Science Research Group

Introduction

Welcome to the Animal Science Research Group (ASRG). This group was formed in early 2004 from a merger of the Nutritional Sciences Research Unit (NSRU), the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) and Biomathematics. The key research strategy of the Group is to carry out research on 'animal-derived food products in human nutrition and long-term health, produced in an environmentally and welfare friendly way while minimising production costs'. Some of this research is in association with the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences and together they are addressing the University's research theme on food chain and health related issues.

Expertise and facilities

The Group contains a wide range of expertise including nutrition, food composition and health, digestive physiology and metabolism of food producing animals together with the environmental impact associated with the food production. Simulation of digestive processes in vitro, secondary plant metabolites, biotechnology applications, biomathematical modelling and molecular aspects of the feed/animal interface. Research facilities include extensive off-site animal research facilities for all food producing animals (dairy cows, poultry, pigs) including two large animal calorimeters. Chemistry and biochemistry and in vitro laboratories are maintained on the main campus. Research activities span from the whole animal and its diet to processes within specific tissues (such as the mammary gland).

Teaching

The Group is also responsible for the design and teaching of twelve modules covering various aspects of animal science and food composition which contribute to several degree pathways. In addition post graduate students undertake research leading to MPhil and PhD degrees.

Current key research areas

• Animal nutrition, food composition and human health
• Effect of diet on excretion of potential environmental pollutants by dairy cows
• Role of dietary milk/milk products in body weight control
• Nutrition and environmental modelling
• Effect of secondary plant metabolites on digestion and animal health
• Epidemiology of milk consumption and chronic disease risk
• Dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids and the role of enriched poultry meat
• Reducing saturated fatty acids in the food chain
• Secondary plant compounds in nutrition