Thesis based on a meta-analysis of existing feed intake and feeding behavior data from 9 experiments conducted at DKC/ANIS/Aarhus University between 2001 and 2016. Data sets are made available and analyzed statistically, but further analyses can be made in the thesis-project. The main subject area is beef production based on dairy bull calves, feed intake recording, feeding behavior (feeder visits, meal size etc), performance, and animal health.
The objective is to investigate the influence of animal age, ration composition, e.g., total mixed rations vs. pelleted concentrate feeding, on the feed intake patterns. The specific objectives are to be decided, but could include estimation of the variation in feed intake between days and within days or quantifying meal size, visits to the feeder, eating time etc.
These findings could be related to disease recordings/veterinary treatments, performance of animals and health. A comprehensive literature review must be included. The long-term perspective is to minimize feeding-related stress on rumen function and animal health. Datasets are available in Excel and SAS-files. Data has been partly analyzed in SAS. Interest in data handling and statistics will be an advantage.
April or August 2024. To be decided in agreement with the supervisor.
Department of Animal- and Veterinary Sciences, AU Campus Viborg, DK-8830 Tjele with some collaboration with SEGES in relation to data and data analyses.
30 or 45 ECTS: Theoretical thesis based on literature studies and/or analysis of issued and edited data sets.
The student is invited to co-author a scientific publication if a 45 ECTS project is chosen.
