Developing a delivery mechanism for anti-methanogenic supplements in grazing livestock

This project will develop and evaluate a novel delivery mechanism for anti-methanogenic supplements in grazing livestock. The controlled intra-ruminal release of active-agents will provide a sustained slow-release dose removing the requirement for daily dietary dosing of livestock.

It will involve both hands on work with cattle, measurement of emissions, and will include sampling of microbiome, bioinformatics and statistical analysis. Assessment at various life stages will be carried out to determine the optimal supplementation protocol to achieve maximum emissions reductions for the Australian beef industry.

You'll work closely an experienced researcher team that is based across the university (SAFS, QAAFI, and Chem Eng).

You'll be based in the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, at Gatton campus, within the Meale Lab. You'll also have access to the vast knowledge of the other HDR and postdoctoral researchers in the team, to support the students research progress and success.

This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of ruminant nutrition would be beneficial. 

You'll demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of biology or agriculture and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of methane mitigation or the Australian Beef Industry is highly desirable.