Animal Science
The aim of this research is to develop a better understanding of the molecular biology of animal systems and to translate this into new technologies and production systems to improve the quality of the food produced, the efficiency of its production and the competitiveness of the systems of food production with due regard to environmental stewardship and welfare of the animals. There is also an active research programme in Equine Science.
The main areas of research addressed include:
- Molecular and nutritional regulation of fat and muscle deposition to increase efficiency, organoleptic quality and health attributes of meat
- Understanding basic biochemical regulation of fertile gametes in food producing animals to improve reproductive efficiency
- Identification of specific biomarkers that control key biological processes that will lead to improved animal welfare, product quality, nutritious content of food and improved consumer health
- Feed evaluation and optimisation of nutritional management of farm animals to improve their efficiency
- Equine genomics and exercise physiology
- Development of improved animal breeding systems
