Microbiome-Parasite Relationships and Dynamics in Livestock in Response to Pasture Management and Ecological Stressors at Swansea University

Funding providers: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) – (South West Biosciences (SWBio) Doctoral Training Partnership)

Subject areas: Host-parasite interactions, Microbiome dynamics, Livestock health and sustainability, Pasture management, Bioinformatics and ecological modelling

Project start date: 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project description: 

Livestock grazing comprises a main land use type in the UK and can have a profound effect on biodiversity and ecosystem services. It shapes entire landscapes and is an important source of greenhouse gas emission. Intensive farming can also affect the spread of parasites and antibiotic resistance. Yet, while there is mounting evidence that gastrointestinal parasites of animals are interacting with complex microbiota (i.e. the system of microorganisms in the gastro-intestinal tract) that provide critical function to the host in terms of nutrition supply, immune response, and host resilience, little is known about how different pasture and livestock management strategies affect its functional diversity and resilience against environmental stressors such as climate extremes or anthelminthic drug treatment. 

The objective of this studentship is to investigate parasites and microbiome-stressor relationships and the methane emissions of cattle kept under different pasture management regimes. The research aims to explore these intricate relationships by:

1. Identifying potential drivers of cattle infection with gastrointestinal helminths and pathogenic bacteria
2. Providing first insights into microbiome-parasite interactions under different pasture management regimes and changes in the microbiome over time in response to environmental stressors
3. Exploring how pasture composition and management affect methane emission and animal health.

The candidate will adopt an exciting interdisciplinary approach that combines field research with laboratory work and ecological modelling. The student will capitalise on the well-established long-term research facilities at Rothamsted Research (North Wyke) and modern laboratories facilities in Swansea. A comprehensive training programme will be provided by the interdisciplinary supervisory team’s expertise in animal health and disease ecology (Dr Wells), molecular physiology and microbiomes (Dr Uren Webster), and grazing livestock systems (Dr Rivero).

Eligibility

Candidates must have obtained, or be about to obtain, an upper 2.1 degree or master’s degree in a relevant subject (animal ecology, veterinary science or epidemiology, evolutionary, molecular or computational biology) with an emphasis on data analysis and/or existing molecular skills, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK. Candidates with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have a master’s degree or have significant relevant research or non-academic experience.

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.

Please visit our website for more information on eligibility.