Exciting PhD and MSc Opportunities in Precision Livestock Farming and Animal Welfare Research at the University of Manitoba

Location: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Start Date: January 2025 or May 2025
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Are you passionate about animal welfare and interested in the innovative field of precision livestock farming? The University of Manitoba’s Department of Animal Science is offering exciting PhD and MSc positions in Precision Livestock Farming and Animal Behaviour. Join our team to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at improving sow welfare in free farrowing systems.

Project Summary

Automated Behaviour Tracking to Improve Sow Welfare in Free Farrowing Systems
Gestating sows are traditionally housed in individual stalls, with farrowing occurring in crates. However, societal and regulatory pressures are driving improvements in animal welfare standards. Canadian welfare legislation mandates the implementation of group gestation by 2029, and major production centers are transitioning to free farrowing systems. These systems, however, face significant challenges, including higher pre-weaning piglet mortality rates due to poor sow mothering traits.

This collaborative project involves developing computer vision models to automatically classify sow behaviors, enabling the tracking and calculation of behavior-based phenotypic traits. Detailed descriptions of favorable sow perinatal behaviors will be obtained through extensive video annotation. This data will help identify sows with the best mothering abilities in a free farrowing environment, ultimately aiming to increase sow reproductive performance.

Candidate Profile

PhD Position:
Master’s degree in Animal Science, Biosystems Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
Experience in developing machine-learning models.
Interest in animal welfare and behavior.
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
Stipend: Minimum $24,000 CAD per annum.

MSc Position:
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biosystems Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
Interest in animal welfare and behavior.
Have Interest in machine learning.
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
Stipend: Minimum $21,000 CAD per annum.

Applicants must ensure they meet the criteria for acceptance as a graduate student at the University of Manitoba as outlined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are asked to send a cover letter, a CV, and academic transcripts to:

Dr. Dallago: gabriel.dallago@umanitoba.ca
Dr. Lei: victor.lei@topigsnorsvin.ca
Dr. King: meagan.king@umanitoba.ca

We thank all candidates for their applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Application materials will be handled in accordance with the privacy protection provisions of “The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” (Manitoba).

If you require accommodation support during recruitment, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Dallago. We are committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, promoting opportunities for systemically marginalized groups, including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+.

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