After graduating from Aberystwyth University with a BSc degree in Equine Science it was a challenging project which confronted me when I commenced my studies last October. Also, coming from a very different background – a) being Latvian b) having my first education in Economics and c) the only animal I was at all familiar with being the horse – dealing with Red Kites and molecular genetics involved a lot of learning before commencing the research. However, by reading a tremendous amount of literature and ‘extracting the knowledge’ of my daily academic supervisors Dr Rob McMahon and Dr Matt Hegarty, as well as meeting up with Professor Mike Hayward and Tony from the Welsh Kite Trust, step by step I soon realised my mission.
Read more »Case Studies: IBERS (Inst of Biological Env & Rural Sciences)
Incorporating lamb eating and nutritional quality into a commercial breeding programme (The Student Perspective)
Undertaking this research with Innovis Breeding Sheep Ltd. means that Eleri can learn a wide range of practical skills. The mixture of academic and company contacts, has created interactions with a large network of people who have assisted in the project. As the project is commercially based, it involves the measurement of lamb meat quality traits, in a range of different environments including farm, abattoir, processor and laboratories. It has allowed Eleri to develop a range of skills in all these areas in conjunction with the overall project management of this research. The contacts Eleri has met and learnt from, means that she will be looking to further her career in a similar area to this current project.
Read more »Artificial defence structures as surrogate habitats for natural rocky shores: giving nature a helping hand (Presentation)
The UK’s Marine Policy Statement advises that in addition to avoiding harm to the environment, marine developments should also include “beneficial features” for marine wildlife. However, much remains unknown about the potential for manmade structures to deliver ecological benefits and surrogate for natural rocky shore habitat. Our research investigates the role of coastal defences in providing substrate for marine plants and animals to colonise. It also explores the potential to manipulate structures in order to achieve more beneficial outcomes from coastal defence developments.
Read more »Effect of rumen lipases on ruminal lipid metabolism (Presentation)
Student: Cate Williams Company: Hybu Cig Cymru Academic Supervisor: Dr Sharon Huws The effect of rumen bacterial lipases on ruminal lipid metabolism The relationship between SFAs and chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, are well established, and despite providing many essential vitamins and minerals, red meat suffers much negative stigma. This confusion has developed… Read more »
Screening of a plant derived natural produt library for anthelmintic properties (Presentation)
The MPhil project was supported financially by the KESS scholarship which allowed the collaboration of a Welsh SME, PhytoQuest, and the Hoffmann Parasitology research group at Aberystwyth University. This collaboration has allowed for a screen of extremely pure plant-derived compounds, provided by the Welsh industrial collaborator, to be performed assessing the selective activity of the library against a species of parasitic worms of veterinary and biomedical importance.
Read more »Population genetics of an endangered bird of prey: the Red Kite (Presentation)
Student: Ilze Skujina Company: Ecology Matters Academic Supervisor: Dr Matthew Hegarty & Dr Robert McMahon Red Kites (Milvus milvus) are medium sized birds of prey (raptors) which alongside buzzards, ospreys, eagles and hawks have been traditionally considered members of the Accipitridae family. Raptors are highly specialised avian species adapted for a predatory lifestyle, and thus… Read more »
Incorporating lamb eating and nutritional quality into a commercial breeding programme (Presentation)
Student: Eleri Price Company: Innovis Academic Supervisor: Prof. Nigel Scollan & Prof. Will Haresign For the majority of customers, lamb is consumed less than once a month. Most Welsh lamb is eaten outside of Wales. In order to maintain a thriving sheep industry and its vital contribution to the rural and national economy of the… Read more »
