Improving Laying Hen Robustness, Longevity, and Egg Quality in a Context of Extending the Cycle to 100 Weeks: Ph.D. Opportunity

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Improving Laying Hen Robustness, Longevity, and Egg Quality in a Context of Extending the Cycle to 100 Weeks: Ph.D. Opportunity

The Université Laval's Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, in collaboration with INRAE, is offering a Ph.D. opportunity in Animal Science with a focus on laying hen nutrition. The research project aims to enhance the robustness, longevity, and egg quality of laying hens, particularly in the context of extending their laying cycle to 100 weeks. This project is supported by a grant from Laval University, in partnership with Egg Farmer of Canada, Québec, and DSM.

Research Directors and Collaborators:

The project will be supervised by Marie-Pierre Létourneau Montminy from Université Laval and Agnes Narcy from INRAE. Other collaborators include Antony Vincent from Université Laval, Mariela Segura and Martine Boulianne from Université de Montréal, and Doug Korver from the University of Alberta.

Research Environment:

The successful candidate will become part of the dynamic research team at the Animal Science department of Université Laval. The Ph.D. program will involve an internship at INRAE and the University of Alberta.

Project Description:

As the demand for animal protein continues to rise, there is a growing need to optimize animal genetic potential and improve overall profitability and sustainability. Nutrition plays a vital role in achieving these objectives. With a trend towards extending the laying cycle of hens from 70 to 100 weeks, it is crucial to understand the effects on bone reserves. The Ph.D. project will focus on investigating the impact of the extended laying cycle on production, bone and eggshell mineralization, and developing strategies to enhance the nutrition of older hens. This will include testing the efficacy of a more active source of vitamin D and reviewing phosphorus supply. The student will be involved in animal trials, laboratory analysis, data analysis, and publishing scientific findings to benefit egg farmers.

Qualifications:

Prospective candidates should possess a Master's degree in animal science or a related field, with skills or a strong interest in animal nutrition. Additionally, proficiency in French is required to attend courses after the first year.

Other Information:

The selected candidate will be admitted into the Ph.D. program and will receive a scholarship for a three-year duration starting in the summer of 2023.

Contacts:

For further information or to express interest in this Ph.D. opportunity, please contact:

- Marie-Pierre Létourneau-Montminy, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Université Laval: Phone: Phone

              Email 💌

- Agnes Narcy, Ph.D., Researcher at INRAE: Phone: Phone 📱 , Email: Email 💌

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to contribute to the field of laying hen nutrition and make a significant impact on the industry's sustainability and productivity. Apply now and be part of this cutting-edge research endeavor.