The Opportunity:

The Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is seeking a highly motivated and academically committed candidate to conduct research regarding safe poultry transportation. A specially designed test trailer has been designed and built for the purpose of this study. The candidate would be allowed unrestricted access to this research apparatus, with ample opportunity to propose, test and implement new design and control strategies. Research work would lead to a Master’s of Science degree and/or Ph.D.

Project Description:

The research activities of this project address present challenges faced in commercial transportation of broiler chickens. Currently, large temperature and humidity gradients, which can be greatly detrimental to animal welfare, and may negatively affect meat quality, exist in commercial loads.

To address these concerns an actively ventilated trailer with onboard heaters has been designed and built at the U of S. Performance studies of the test trailer will investigate its ability to provide a safer, more comfortable environment for the birds. A wide scope of possible research is available and opportunities may involve the identification of optimal airflow and/or heat requirements needed to keep broilers safe in transport. Information gathered will be used to help create industry guidelines for safe transport practices and trailer design recommendations.

This project is a multidisciplinary research study with the opportunity to partner with researchers from Animal and Poultry Science, Food and Bioproducts Sciences, and Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering. Areas of Study to Include: Animal Systems; Environmental Control; Poultry Welfare; Transportation

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will be familiar with the physical principles of heat and mass transfer, ventilation, and environmental control. He/she will be committed to pursuing a research career, and have good oral and written communication skills. The candidate will be a team player who is able to thrive in an environment that values hard work and creativity. First-hand experience with installation and maintenance of mechanical and/or electronic equipment would be preferred.

A valid driver’s licence would be an asset; testing is done on a commercial scale and travel to commercial farms is required.

Timeline and Remuneration:

A competitive graduate student stipend commensurate with the U of S College of Graduate Studies and Research guidelines is available to the successful candidate. The candidate would also be eligible to compete for internal and national scholarships.

For more information regarding this project, or for instructions for submitting an application, please contact:

Dr. Trever Crowe
University of Saskatchewan, College of Graduate Studies and Research
105 Administration Place
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2 CANADA
Phone: (306)966-5759 Fax: (306)966-5756
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it