New research techniques in sheep production

• Grant number: 16/07572-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Production
• Principal Investigator: Jane Maria Bertocco Ezequiel
• Grantee: Marco Túlio Costa Almeida
• Supervisor: Hugh Blair
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Massey University, New Zealand
• Associated to the scholarship: 15/04595-4 - Adaptation and performance of feedlot lambs fed crud glycerin, BP.DR

Abstract

Sheep production is present in all continents and has been practiced in Brazil since its colonization. However, the production that stands out most in the world is in New Zealand, where the sheep production system is known worldwide for its high efficiency production. New techniques in genetics, breeding and nutrition are discovered and deployed daily in the country. As Brazil has a great increasing potential in the production of sheep, and has similar environmental characteristics to New Zealand, the learning of these new techniques to improved production efficiency in Brazil can be very interesting. The candidate will participate in activities undertaken Hugh Blair's research group ("Science-based extension for lower North Island sheep and beef farmers" and "Effects of compromised foetal growth"). He will also learn new research techniques, participate in lectures, conferences, courses and technical visits, discuss and analyze PhD research results with members of Hugh Blair's research group, prepare research papers for publication, and finalize his PhD thesis. In addition, this experience will give him the opportunity to improve his English skills and will also provide a cultural and social exchange between the Universities (Unesp and Massey University). Finally, the candidate will be able to make a background analysis of the sheep production in New Zealand, with a surveying of all techniques applicable in Brazil in order to propose a methodology to increase the efficiency of sheep production in Brazil. (AU)