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PhD Studentship - Effects of Genetics and Environment on Commercial Broiler Gut Antimicrobials and Health - Newcastle University - Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences

PhD Studentship - Effects of Genetics and Environment on Commercial Broiler Gut Antimicrobials and Health - Newcastle University - Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences.

The success of the poultry breeding industry depends upon achieving healthy birds in all environments in which poultry are managed. Much of the commercial data underpinning genetic selection is acquired through analyses of bird performance in controlled, high hygiene environments yet birds are expected to perform well in environments of varying hygiene. This presents special challenges to improve genetically those traits, including disease resistance, for which genotype by environment interactions are important. Investigation of the innate immune defences of commercially produced birds, and their roles in the resistance and/or susceptibility of such birds to disease under conditions of varying hygiene, is important not only to the poultry industry per se, but also in relation to food safety, security and public health.

Because of their antibacterial properties we propose defensins to play key roles in the innate resistance of birds to disease as well as impacting on food safety through the reduction of food-borne pathogens. Evidence in mammals also indicates that at more dilute concentrations such as those possible in the lumen of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract defensins maintain the homeostasis of gut commensal microbiota and so inadvertantly contribute to gut health.

This project aims to define the roles of defensins in commercial bird gut health and disease resistance by investigating through analyses of avian gut AvBD expression profiles, cationic antimicrobial activities and microbial 16SrDNA and DGGE profiles whether:

(i) the GI epithelia of the commercial bird lines exhibit regional patterns of AvBD gene expression and to what extent gene expression is regulated by genetics & environment;
(ii) whether patterns of AvBD expression impact on the gut microbiota of the birds.

These data will allow GI factors determining good bird gut health & disease resistance to be explored. Commercially such factors may be used as selection tools to improve disease resistance and exploited through selective breeding programmes.

This studentship includes up to 8 days of specialist business related training.

Eligibility and Value of the Award
Depending on how you meet the BBSRC’s eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. A full award covers tuition fees and an annual stipend of £13,290 (2009/10). A partial award covers fees only.

Person Specification
You should have, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject.

How to Apply
You must complete the University's postgraduate application form. Select "PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences – Cell and Molecular Biosciences" as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) but you must attach a copy of your CV and a covering letter, quoting the title of the studentship and reference number CMB91.

Closing date: prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.