Ph.D. Research Opportunity Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary

1. Ph.D. Research Opportunity Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary Do you have a MSc in animal science or veterinary medicine and want to pursue a Ph.D. program? Are you interested in dairy cattle research? If you answered yes, then the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) is where you want to be. UCVM has a position available for a Ph.D. student in Production Animal Health. The student will lead a research project that focuses on amino acid metabolism in the lactating dairy cow. This position offers the student the opportunity to work at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta. Project title: Which are the key essential amino acids needed to maintain milk production in the dairy cow? Project description: In the lactating dairy cow reduction of nitrogen (N) intake with the aim of increasing efficiency of N utilization and decreasing the environmental impact of milk production requires adequate assessment of the cow’s amino acid (AA) requirements. These however are not yet well defined due to complex interactions among AA and between AA and energy supply. The majority of the research and actual recommendations concern lysine and methionine with some attention to histidinesince these are usually the most limiting AA in conventionally fed diets. However, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan are also essential AA that must be supplied from digested proteins to ensure milk protein synthesis. To evaluate the effect of availability of these AA on milk protein synthesis, AA infusions of varying composition will be given to Holstein cows. Arterial and venous blood will be collected to determine mammary uptake of key nutrients. The effect of AA supply on glucose whole body rate of appearance will also be determined. A DVM degree is not required; applicants with degrees in veterinary medicine or animal science will be considered. The University of Calgary supports innovation in research, education and service to the community. Information on the graduate program at UCVM can be found at http://vet.ucalgary.ca/graduate. Applications for this position are currently being accepted for admission into the graduate program in January, 2012. For more information please contact: Dr. Lorraine Doepel E-mail: ldoepel@ucalgary.ca Tel: 403-210-6602 Biography: http://vet.ucalgary.ca/profiles/lorraine-doepel