Postgraduate Vet Residency and Masters Programmes
Joint Residency in Bovine Health Management between University of Glasgow and CVS Group
This is a unique opportunity to undertake a 4-year Residency in the European College of Bovine Health Management (ECBHM) with time split equally between the CVS Castle Farm Vets practice in Co Durham and the University of Glasgow. The successful applicant will rotate between UoG and Castle Farm vets six months every year for 4 years, with accommodation provided while at Castle Farm vets.
We are seeking veterinary graduates with farm animal experience to contribute to and learn from our diverse and dynamic teams. The successful applicant will enrol as a post-graduate student to undertake a clinical residency training and a research Masters degree, gaining both clinical expertise and research skills. Throughout the four-year program, the resident will have increasing responsibility for the delivery of routine and problem-solving farm investigation visits (dairy and beef) both at Castle Farm Vets and at the University of Glasgow, primary care of individual animals (on farm and referred) and teaching veterinary students. They will study towards a Diploma with the European College of Bovine Health Management (ECBHM) and complete a Masters degree in Veterinary Medicine (MVM) through clinical research.
Project description - Investigating Beef Suckler Neonatal Survival, Colostrum Quality, and Maternal Metabolic/Protein Status
Extensive research has studied these aspects in dairy cattle, however, a significant knowledge gap persists regarding beef suckler calves and dams. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing beef calf health, productivity, and industry sustainability.
The primary objective of this project is to investigate individual cow risk factors (including metabolic status) for poor colostrum quality in beef animals. Secondarily, associations between poor colostrum quality and neonatal beef calf serum IgG concentrations will be measured. By understanding these factors, we aim to develop evidence-based management strategies to improve beef calf health and productivity.
The main research questions are:
- What is the variation in individual beef animal colostrum quality?
- Which individual animal risk factors (including metabolic parameters) are significantly associated with poor colostrum quality in beef animals?
- Is colostrum quality (as estimated by Brix %) significantly associated with neonatal calf serum IgG concentration (as estimated by Brix%)?
Clinical or veterinary relevance:
The expected outcomes and veterinary relevance from the study are:
Development of evidence-based recommendations for improving beef calf health and productivity through enhanced colostrum management and maternal management.
This project addresses critical knowledge gaps in the beef industry related to colostrum quality, and maternal metabolic/protein status. By improving our understanding of these factors, the aim is to develop targeted management strategies to improve beef calf health and productivity, ultimately benefiting beef producers and contributing to the sustainability of the beef industry.
The initial stipend is £26875 (PAYE / TAX exempt), increasing to £28217 by the fourth year plus £1500 CPD allowance per annum.
For informal enquiries please contact as follows:
Lorenzo Viora (Lorenzo.Viora@glasgow.ac.uk) or Will Barker (Will.Barker@castlevets.net).
PLEASE ENSURE YOU UPLOAD A CV AS PART OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS.
Closing date for applications: 22 September 2024