Department of ANIMAL SCIENCE Sustainable livestock production for the benefit of consumers, animals and environment Aarhus University Aarhus University Department of Animal Science In the Department of Animal Science research efforts are focused on the development of health, reproduction, welfare and quality promoting strategies for livestock production and also on ensuring a high level of efficiency and a low impact on the surrounding environment. The overall aim of the Department of Animal Science is to conduct basic, strategic and applied research within nutrition, health and welfare. The researchers have strong competences within the following disciplines: cell biology, physiology (digestion, reproduction, growth, lactation, stress, organ and production physiology), applied analytical chemistry and biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology, reproduction biology and technology, embryology, immunology, clinical-chemical biomarkers and biomodelling, pathobiology, pain biology, ethology, veterinary epidemiology, herd diagnostics, production management and health economy. To these should be added competences in conducting experimental work in the research facility support unit. The department has a major focus on interdisciplinary research. Health Welfare Nutrition The research efforts aim to achieve a sustainable livestock production with reduced use of antibiotics, a high level of animal welfare, a high nutritional food quality, a high food security level and a reduced impact of nutrients and waste products on the surrounding environment. The research activities constitute the basis for the department’s research-based policy and legislative support to the authorities, research-based education and our cooperation with the livestock sector and industry. Research themes, among others the following: • Feed stuffs and biomass • Digestion and gastrointestinal biology • Nutrition and physiology • Livestock production and environment/climate • Cell biology and reproduction • Animal models • Disease mechanisms and disease resistance • Immunology and health • Behaviour and welfare • Management and production economy • Biomarkers, automatic registration and production management • Sustainable livestock production The Department of Animal Science contributes to research-based knowledge on livestock, environment, bioenergy, organic farming and food through DCA – Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture. Further, the department also has very well-defined herds of cattle, pigs, poultry and mink as well as flexible experimental facilities for cattle, pigs, poultry, mink, rats and mice. Organization In addition, the department has an organic animal science platform used for research in management, technology, nutrition, health and behaviour. The organic animal science platform is primarily used for poultry, pigs and horses, but it may also be used for other species. The department has approx. 200 employees who are organized in the following sections: • • • • • • • Animal nutrition and environment al impact Molecular nutrition and cell biology Integrative physiology Immunology and microbiology Behaviour and stress biology Epidemiology and management Reproduction biology To these should be added a support unit with research facilities used for experiments with laboratory animals, pigs, poultry, mink and cattle as well as 420 hectares of farmland for cultivation of e.g. experimental feed. State of the art facilities The department has at its disposal unique research facilities, including advanced laboratories, surgery units, intensive animal care units, infection units and an experimental slaughterhouse. A sustainable future The department conducts both basic and applied research – often in close cooperation with e.g. the livestock sector and industry. The Department of Animal Science considers it a major task to communicate research results to the international scientific community as well as society in general and has a major focus on technology transfer. Within the department’s core areas the researchers contribute to student education by teaching in the degree programmes of Aarhus University. At PhD level the department offers an excellent education programme (Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition) and aims to create an attractive PhD study environment with both Danish and foreign students. Further information about the Department of Animal Science: Head of department Klaus Lønne Ingvartsen E-mail: [email protected] www.anis.au.dk www.au.dk Aarhus University Blichers Allé 20 P.O. Box 50 DK-8830 Tjele Tel.: +45 8715 6000