Optimizing carcase quality and animal welfare

Project overview

Project title

Optimizing carcase quality and animal welfare: Evaluating animal, process and production factors

Project description

This Project will investigate stunning factors in commercial beef processing facilities that may influence carcase quality, meat quality and/or animal welfare. The expected outcomes are to identify risk factors associated with stunning that influence meat quality and to support the claim that the Australian beef processing sector is continuing to improve welfare outcomes. This could provide evidence to bolster the ongoing social acceptance of the beef industry.

Supervisory team

University

Name of university supervisor	David Beggs
Name of university	University of Melbourne
Email address	dbeggs@unimelb.edu.au
Faculty	Faculty of Science

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisor	Ali Small
Email address	ali.small@csiro.au
CSIRO Research Unit	Agriculture & Food

Industry

Name of industry supervisor	Ann McDonald
Name of business/organisation	Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC)
Email address	a.mcdonald@ampc.com.au

Further details

Primary location of student	CSIRO Coopers Plains, QLD or CSIRO Armidale, NSW
Industry engagement component location	Australian Meat Processor Corporation Ltd, Northpoint Tower, Suite 1, Level 29/100 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW
Other locations	University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC
Ideal student skillset	Degree in Veterinary Science, registrable in Australia Minimum 5 years’ experience working with industry partners, especially in Australian commercial beef processing facilities. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with stakeholders Strong background in experimental design and methodology Ability to develop and execute research protocols Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation Ability to present research results to academic and industry audiences. Q-fever vaccinated
Application close date	Open until position filled
Apply	The University of Melbourne