The Livestock in Future Landscapes Program seeks to understand how livestock interact with the environment and how these interactions determine the efficiency of production (growth, reproduction), both of individual animals and groups. New information on livestock in landscapes will be used to select animals and develop management systems that optimize the efficiency of resource utilization and adapt to climate variability and climate change. The ‘landscape’ includes extensive grazing systems (range, pastoral) and intensive feeding systems (feedlot). The Livestock in Future Landscapes Program aims to contribute new knowledge on natural resource management, sustainability, and adaptation and mitigation to climate change. A feature of livestock production is the large variation in the performance of groups of animals or herds, and individual animals within a herd. The basis of this variation is not fully understood but encompasses a range of adaptations of individuals through behaviour, metabolic efficiency, health status, and social interactions influenced by genetics, environment and management. An elucidation of the major determinants of individual and group performance is required in order to develop production systems that optimally utilise valuable resources. Robotic and other remote measuring and monitoring technologies would significantly enhance the scientific quality of the information needed to improve management. This area of research aims to develop integrated farming systems using remote sensing and communications and information technologies.
Associate Professor Luciano Gonzalez.
Sydney Institute of Agriculture - Camden campus
Masters/PHD
A range of projects are available in the fields of remote monitoring and management systems using latest technology including ‘remote cattle sensor stations’ able to measure live weight of individual animals, body condition and body temperature. The objectives of these projects are three-fold:
This project will be based at the Faculty of Science’s Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, Camden
HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:
- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)
You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 1897