As of November 2016 senior scientist Steen Henrik Møller from the Department of Animal Science at Aarhus University has been appointed member of the board of the Fur Tax Foundation.

Zhigang Zhu studied how the rumen bacterial and archaeal communities shift over the transition and lactation period of dairy cows. The new research findings contribute to the understanding of dynamics of rumen microbial community and its role in animal health and production. The PhD defence takes place Thursday 1 December 2016.

Monday 7 November Anne Katrine Bolvig Sørensen will defend her PhD degree, wherein she has investigated the absorption of health promoting bioactive components, called lignans, which are found in whole grain, seeds and vegetables. The study shows that these components can be affected by enzymes and antibiotics.

Aarhus University in Foulum will open its doors to visitors on September 18. Drop by and discover the world of modern farming and research.

The routine breeding value assessment for reproductive performance in Denmark and Sweden may be improved by means of activity-based fertility traits. This is demonstrated by results from a recently finished PhD project. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the genetic variation in reproductive performance changes in relation to calving season and production environment.

Erysipelas is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The disease is well-known, but basic knowledge particularly on the infection in chickens, is lacking. A new project (EryPoP) will provide novel information that will enable scientifically based guidelines to prevent future erysipelas outbreaks.

A recently finished research project investigated the farmer’s possibilities to identify gastric ulcers in pig herds and examined whether adding hemp to the feed might solve the problem. The results show that meal feed seems to be the best strategy if you want to prevent gastric ulcers in pigs.

A large and ambitious EU project will be looking on ways to increase the efficiency and sustainability of pig and poultry production. This is to be achieved by developing new feeds, feeding technologies and management systems and by the selection of more robust and adaptable animals.

The diet in the western world is characterised as being low in fibre and high in fat and refined carbohydrates. This unhealthy lifestyle increases the risks for a number of lifestyle diseases. This is why scientists have to think of alternative ways for obtaining all the benefits of fibre without having to consume large quantities of carrots and rye bread.

A lower mortality rate and improved footpad health and meat quality of broilers are some of the positive effects of using ensiled kernel maize in broiler feed, according to results from a PhD study at the Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University.