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BISAS R & STATISTICS WORKSHOP 14-15th July 2026
Our hugely popular ‘R and Statistics Workshop’ will be returning for 2026. Led by Dr Davina Hill, University of Glasgow, our two-day ‘R and Statistics Workshop’ offers a comprehensive introduction to the statistical software package ‘R’, a refresh on experimental design, and support with using robust statistical analysis in your own work. Whether you are new to ‘R’ or need an update, this training webinar will help to refresh your knowledge and enhance your skills.
The workshop will be held remotely on Zoom, using a combination of lectures and break-out groups. Each session will begin with a brief introduction in Zoom's main room, followed by computer-based tutorials in smaller break-out groups. You will be provided with theory notes and practical exercises to complete under the supervision of your tutor. This format allows ample opportunity for discussion and questions. The two-day event will be structured into three themed sessions each day;
SESSION 1: GETTING STARTED WITH R
SESSION 2: DATA MANAGEMENT: EXPLORING AND VISUALISING DATA
SESSION 3: GETTING STARTED WITH DATA ANALYSIS IN R
SESSION 4: COMPARING TWO GROUPS
SESSION 5: REGRESSION ANALYSIS
SESSION 6: ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
Workshop Costs
BISAS Student Member: £50
BISAS Member (other): £75
Non-Member: £135
Session times will be 10:00 - 17:00 on both days.
Investigating differing auditory stimuli on heart rate and micro facial expressions of horses to promote positive affective states – A preliminary behavioural study.
This study was completed as part of Megan Hutchinson’s studies for a BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Science at Dutchy College in collaboration with The University of Plymouth.
Modern equine management practices may impose constraints that conflict with horses’ evolutionary adaptations, potentially inducing stress that negatively impacts both health and welfare. Increasing scrutiny of the equine industry has highlighted concerns about such practices, contributing to discussions about the implementation of social licences to operate. Identifying strategies to mitigate stress and promote positive affective states is therefore increasingly relevant and important.
This study evaluated the effects of different auditory stimuli on horses by assessing both physiological and behavioural indicators, specifically, heart rate and micro-facial expressions.
Fifteen horses (8 mares, 7 geldings) from two locations were initially recruited, with twelve completing the study with full datasets. Baseline measures of heart rate (using a Polar H10 sensor) and facial expressions (coded via the EquiFACS system) were recorded at rest in stables and again in a solarium, where experimental trials took place. Over four consecutive days, horses were exposed to three auditory treatments and a silent control in a randomised order. The three auditory treatments were Mozart’s Fantasia in F minor (string performance, 432 Hz), pink noise, and equine-derived sounds (chewing and sneezing from a relaxed conspecific). The solarium was acoustically isolated to ensure all stimuli were novel. Each audio stimulus was played for 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Heart rate was recorded at 10-second intervals throughout, while facial expressions were captured on video and analysed using still frames extracted at matching intervals. Facial action units were scored in a binary manner. The initial 10 seconds of each recording were removed before analysis.
Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of treatment on heart rate. Post hoc Tukey testing indicated that heart rates were significantly lower during exposure to Mozart’s Fantasia compared to equine-derived sounds, with all but one horse showing this pattern. No significant differences were observed between the silent control and pink noise treatments, although two horses exhibited lower heart rates during pink noise relative to Mozart’s Fantasia.
Chi-squared analysis of facial expressions identified the muzzle region as most strongly associated with emotional state. Equine-derived sounds elicited increased frequencies of AD133, EAD101, AU5, and AD1, which are associated with vigilance and potential threat detection. In contrast, both Mozart’s Fantasia and pink noise treatments were associated with increased AU101, EAD101, and 001, alongside reduced AD1 and AU5, suggesting a more relaxed attentional state without directional focus. Notably, neither auditory treatment differed significantly from the silent control, potentially reflecting a pre-existing positive association with the solarium environment.
Overall, equine-derived auditory stimuli elicited more indicators of negative affective states, whereas Mozart’s Fantasia produced the most consistent reductions in heart rate and stress-related facial expressions. These findings suggest that classical music may have practical applications as an environmental enrichment tool to mitigate stress in managed horses.
Coding system based on EquiFACS:
AD133
Air is visibly expelled from the nostril, which is accompanied by the
widening and bulging of the flesh leading into the nasal bone if
force is applied to the exhale.
EAD101
Both ears are rotated forwards with pinna pointing rostrally.
AU5
The upper eyelid is pulled back into the eye socket exposing a
larger surface area of the upper eye, widening the eye beyond
being open. Sclera may be observed.
AD1
The white sclera becomes visible, or if present at rest, there is an
increase in the amount noticed. Can be due to eye movement or in
conjunction with AU5.
AU101
The skin above the inner corner of the eye is pulled dorsally and obliquely towards the medial frontal region. Gives the eye an angular triangle appearance – wrinkles may be present.
001
Eye completely open, with no eyelid showing.
Leaders from across government, research, academia and industry gathered at Leinster House this week for the official launch of the British and Irish Society of Animal Science (BISAS), marking a significant new chapter in collaboration between the UK and Ireland in animal and agricultural science.
Hosted by Senator Victor Boyhan, with the support of Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle and attended by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Grealish and British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owens, the event formally recognised Ireland’s longstanding and influential contribution to the Society and celebrated the transition from the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) to BISAS.
The launch signalled an ambitious new phase for animal science, positioning Britain and Ireland as a leading and influential voice in Europe on issues including climate action, sustainable food systems, rural resilience, animal health and innovation in agriculture. The strengthened partnership aims to ensure that science and evidence remain central to industry innovation as well as future policy development and overall sustainable livestock production.
Speakers throughout the event highlighted the deep and longstanding relationship between the UK and Ireland, particularly in livestock research, knowledge exchange and agricultural innovation. There was strong recognition that continued collaboration between researchers, policymakers and industry will be essential in addressing the major challenges facing the agri-food sector in the years ahead.
The event also celebrated Ireland’s historic role within the Society, acknowledging the significant contribution Irish researchers, students and industry leaders have made over many decades through leadership positions, governance and the hosting of major scientific conferences across the island of Ireland.
Representatives from organisations including AFBI, Teagasc, Alltech, DAERA and DAFM spoke about the importance of building on decades of cooperation to strengthen scientific capability, support evidence-led policymaking and accelerate innovation throughout the livestock and agri-food sectors.
BISAS’s past and current presidents described the launch as an important milestone that reflects both the strength of existing relationships and a clear ambition for the future. The new Society identity reinforces a shared British and Irish commitment to advancing world-class animal science, supporting sustainable agriculture and amplifying the international influence of research and innovation from both islands.
Dr Helen Warren, Past President of BISAS and Director at Alltech,comments:
“This well-attended event was a perfect demonstration of the commitment from the Irish government to animal science. The Irish animal science community have helped shape the Society since its inception and the event cemented this long over-due recognition.”
Prof Elizabeth Magowan, BISAS Former President and Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division at AFBI comments:
“The launch of BISAS represents a new exciting dawn in the 82 yr history of the society. It rightly acknowledges and celebrates the very significant impact our Irish colleagues have brought to the society over the years. It represents a foundational change which will ensure belonging and ownership for our Irish colleagues and in doing so further maximise the impact of science for animal- based sectors across the UK and Ireland”.
Prof David Kenny BISAS Former President and Head of Animal and Bioscience Research Department at Teagasc comments:
“There has been a strong relationship between the two islands on livestock research and knowledge dissemination for decades and continued collaboration and strengthening of that relationship will be key to effectively addressing the major issues that we all face within the agri-food sector”.
The programme included contributions from Minister Noel Grealish, Helen Warren, Ian Marshall, Alistair Carson, Ray Kelly and Elizabeth Magowan, followed by a networking reception bringing together senior stakeholders from policy, research, education and industry.
As BISAS begins this new chapter, the Society will continue to provide a collaborative platform connecting scientists, policymakers, educators and industry leaders, helping to deliver practical, science-led solutions for the future of livestock production and sustainable food systems across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
The BISAS Annual Conference 2027 will be held in Dundee | 13 - 15 April.
More information to follow.
We are delighted to announce that Sinclair Mayne has been elected as an Honorary Member in recognition of his outstanding contribution to animal science and the agri-food sector.
After completing a Bachelor of Agriculture degree at Queen's University Belfast, Sinclair undertook a PhD, based at the Agricultural Research Institute for Northern Ireland (ARINI). He then moved to the South East of England to take up the role of Head of Dairy at North Wyke, before returning to Northern Ireland as Head of Dairy in ARINI in 1987. In 2002 Sinclair was promoted to the post of Director of ARINI, at which point his responsibilities and interests widened to all livestock production systems and where his close connections with industry and science influenced the NI and UK agri-food agenda. After bringing ARINI through the transition to AFBI, Sinclair progressed his career to become DARD’s Departmental Scientific Adviser in 2009.
In 2013, Sinclair returned to AFBI as the Director of AFBI’s Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division. This role involved leading and managing a comprehensive research programme focussed on the sustainable intensification of food production spanning the disciplines of livestock and plant science, environmental protection, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems research as well as food science and economics.
In 2016 Sinclair took up the post of AFBI’s Chief Executive Officer and in typical Sinclair style, his whole energy was thrown into the role which reflected his passion for AFBI and the NI agri-food industry as a whole, retiring from the position in 2018.
Sinclair was President of BSAS 2009/2010 and has contributed significantly to animal science throughout his distinguished career.
Sinclair Mayne commented:
“I am very pleased, and humbled, to receive Honorary Membership of the Society. I first joined BSAP, as it then was, in Jan/Feb 1980 and attended my first annual meeting in the Crown Hotel in Harrogate in April,1980. Whilst a lot has changed in animal science and animal production in the last 46 years, I am pleased that the Society remains strong and continues to play a crucial role in communicating advances in animal science”.
The British & Irish Society of Animal Science (BISAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Jonsson as its new President, following the official handover from outgoing President Helen Warren at the BISAS Annual Conference held in York last week.
Professor Jonsson brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is currently Honorary Professor of Animal Health and Production at the University of Glasgow and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dairy Research. A qualified veterinary surgeon, he began his career in rural Australia before moving into research and academia, holding positions in both Australia and the UK.
His expertise spans animal management systems and efficient cattle production, with particular research interests in ruminant gut health, sensor technologies for livestock management, cattle genetics, and sustainable parasite control. He also serves as a member of the UK Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, having previously chaired the committee.
The formal transition took place during the Society’s flagship Annual Conference, which brought together leading researchers, industry professionals, and early career scientists to discuss the latest developments and challenges in animal science.
Speaking on his appointment, Nick said he was honoured to take on the role and looked forward to building on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor. He highlighted the importance of supporting collaboration across disciplines, supporting early career researchers, and ensuring that animal science continues to play a key role in addressing global challenges such as sustainability, food security, and climate change.
Helen Warren, who has successfully led the Society through a period of growth and engagement, formally handed over the presidency during the conference. Under her leadership, BISAS has expanded its reach, strengthened its community, and enhanced its scientific impact.
Reflecting on her tenure, Helen Warren expressed her gratitude to members and colleagues across the Society for their support, and confidence in Nick’s leadership moving forward.
The BISAS Annual Conference in York once again demonstrated the Society’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration within animal science, providing an ideal setting for this important leadership transition.
BISAS looks forward to an exciting new chapter under Nick’s presidency.
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A question we were often asked at university open days is ‘What is Animal Science’? What jobs can it lead you to?
A quick venture to Google reveals the following: Animal Science - the branch of biology dedicated to the study, production, and management of domestic animals, including livestock (cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, horses) and often companion animals, to enhance their health, welfare, and productivity. This should align closely with aspirations of wannabe veterinary surgeons, animal behaviourists, nutritionists and other related popular professions. So what is happening to Animal Science in higher education (HE)?
Animal Science as an undergraduate degree has always been a master of evolution. Historically a livestock-specific agricultural science, it has been known by various names over time and at different HE institutions, often reflecting the specialist knowledge and expertise at these institutions. These courses maintained a steady flow of graduates into the animal nutrition, health, welfare industries, as well as providing the next generation of academics to advance research and education. For some undergraduates, studying an Animal Science degree formed a stepping stone to clinical Veterinary Medicine degree courses after graduation. Others, once exposed to the applied opportunities available to Animal Science graduates, may have decided upon a different career path, in the allied industries. With recent global challenges such as how to produce nutritious food sustainably and in a welfare-friendly way whilst minimising the impact on the environment, never has educating the next generation of Animal Scientists been as important.
Over the last 10-20 years however, things have been changing in Animal Science education. The breadth and diversification of animal science courses has developed significantly, with more courses focusing specifically on areas such as behaviour and welfare, nutrition, therapy and rehabilitation, and separate equine courses (again with a therapy, behaviour and welfare focus). Alongside this there has been a growth in the number of UK Vet Schools and a growing pool of applicants for non-clinical Veterinary Biosciences/Bioveterinary Science degrees appears to have led to a gradual decline in the numbers studying traditional Animal Science programmes. This change in terminology seems to have been driven by a shift in prospective students and their desired identity, as Bioveterinary, rather than Animal, Scientists. Undergraduate courses have had to adapt to keep pace with this change, with creation of many Veterinary Biosciences/Bioveterinary Science or similarly titled degrees falling under the same or similar UCAS and HECOS codes as Animal Science degrees (D300). Without this diversification, maintaining an Animal Science-based undergraduate offering has become unsustainable for many institutions. We should also not forget the impact of research metrics at research-intensive institutions, that often drive recruitment of lecturers with teaching interests which are more distant from the agricultural sciences.
Dr Rachael Neal, School Director of Recruitment and Admissions and Programme Co-Director for BSc Bioveterinary Sciences at University of Reading says:
“At Reading we saw a decline in applications and enrolments for our long-established Animal Science degree. In the past we regularly recruited 20-30 students each year from over a hundred applications, to a point where fewer than 10 students were enrolling annually. We were not alone; colleagues at other institutions experienced a similar change, and there have been course closures. Shifting interests of prospective students have come in tandem with societal changes in how we view our relationships with animals (for example the growing interest in the application of science to pet care, and changes in how society views animal agriculture), which have no doubt affected what prospective students are looking to study. We’ve also seen an increasing number of HE course providers, including FE colleges, offer a wider array of choices in animal-based degrees (often with strong vocational attraction), meaning individual providers are feeling the pinch.”
In 2018 the Royal Agricultural University developed a foundation degree in Animal Science in collaboration with Cirencester College delivered between the two institutions. The course blended the RAU livestock and equine specialisms, the small animal, pet and exotic specialism coming from Cirencester College. This combination was expected to be a success, however the programme recruited low numbers and was closed in 2022. When looking across the education sector the growth in specialised animal courses being delivered at a wide range of institutions has likely reduced the pool of students applying to more traditional Animal Science degree courses.
The decline in traditional Animal Science graduates is being felt across industry, with BISAS graduate membership falling 69% between 2016 and 2026, and anecdotal reports of a shortage of graduates with Animal Science expertise. The question is, is this a true decline? or is it that as a Society (and animal science community) are we failing to recognise that students and graduates of the evolving veterinary biosciences programmes have a very similar knowledge and skills base to graduates of animal science? As Rachael says:
“At Reading, we had no choice but to reinvent our offering to secure our future. But at the heart of our new Bioveterinary Sciences degree are the solid foundations of Animal Science, and we, like many other institutions, seek to produce graduates who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in traditional Animal Science roles as well as more veterinary and animal health focussed jobs.”
Are industry recruiters making it clear when advertising graduate level positions that veterinary bioscience and related degrees are relevant? What can BISAS do to attract a wider membership? Animal Science HE continues to evolve, and as a sector we should ensure that we evolve alongside it, so that we continue to inspire and employ the brightest minds that could make a significant contribution to animal health, nutrition and welfare, long into the future.
Written by Kirsty Kliem and Simon Daniels on behalf of the BISAS Scientific Committee
Location: Teagasc, Animal & Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath.Salary: Research Officer with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618Closing Date: 16/04/2026 12:00 PMFunded Full Time
Basic Function:
The Beef Quest project aims to quantify, the effect of nutrition, health and environment factors presently constraining animal growth performance and finishing age of cattle on beef farms and to assess their impacts on GHG emissions. The Research Officer appointed to this role will conduct qualitative interviews and ethnographic field research to investigate beef farmers’ experiences, knowledge and decisions regarding managing production practices impacting technical efficiency on farm. Influences on farmers’ views on relevant management will be identified. Using research evidence, areas of intervention to support practice change (e.g. KT approaches, policy measures) will be proposed.
Background:
Beef Quest addresses the challenge of reducing the mean finishing age of prime beef cattle from 26 to 22-23 months by 2030, a target that has been identified as fundamental to achieving Ireland’s commitment to reduce the agricultural sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25%. The project aims to quantify, within animal genotype, the effect of nutrition, health and on-farm environment factors impacting animal growth performance and finishing of cattle on beef farms; assess associated impacts on GHG emissions; conduct whole-farm beef systems modelling to quantify the environmental and financial impacts of implementing strategic interventions; and to focus on farmers’ experiences, knowledge and to inform impactful, viable of interventions at farm-level.
uties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.
Teagasc researcher Dr. Cliona Ryan has received the BISAS Communication in Marketing Excellence Award for her innovative campaign translating complex genomic research into practical tools for farmers.
Dr. Ryan’s work addresses a largely unrecognised issue in livestock: chromosomal abnormalities that leave animals appearing normal but often result in infertility or premature death. Her research, spanning nearly 1.3 million cattle, 63,000 sheep, and 21,000 horses, estimates that around 1,500 calves, 3,000 lambs, and 37 foals are affected annually in Ireland.
Crucially, she demonstrated that these conditions can be detected at no additional cost using existing genotype data.
Dr. Ryan’s campaign focused on making genomic information clear, relevant, and actionable. Through visual storytelling, plain-language communication, and direct farmer engagement, she highlighted the real-world impact of these conditions on farm profitability and animal welfare.
Her work has already driven industry change:
The campaign reached:
By framing the science around cost, time, and animal welfare, Dr Ryan enabled farmers to recognise and act on issues that were previously unexplained.
Early detection helps farmers avoid significant losses, such as rearing animals that will never breed or investing in infertile stock bulls. By using data already collected, Dr Ryan’s approach provides a scalable, cost-free solution with clear economic and welfare benefits.
Kim Matthews, from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in the UK (AHDB), award sponsor commented: “This is an excellent example of how high-quality science, when communicated effectively, can deliver real impact on farm. Cliona’s work demonstrates the value of making complex research accessible and actionable for farmers and the wider industry.”
On accepting the award, Cliona Ryan, Teagasc commented: “The aim was to make complex science practical. If farmers can use the information immediately, then it has real value.”
Professor David Kenny, Head of Animal and Bioscience Department in Teagasc welcomed the recognition: “Cliona’s work is a powerful example of Teagasc’s commitment to delivering research that has real and measurable impact at farm level. By translating advanced genomics into practical tools, this work is already improving decision-making, animal welfare, and farm efficiency across the sector.”
The British and Irish Society of Animal Science (BISAS) is the principal learned body supporting animal science in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
We are currently recruiting for a Head of GB Farms Network to work nationally across Great Britain and lead a small team. This role is offered on a fixed-term contract until December 2027 and requires flexibility to travel, as well as a valid UK driving licence.
This role is funded by the UK Dairy Carbon Network (UK-DCN) and will support with the development and delivery of the project, which will test multiple carbon-saving measures on commercial British dairy farms. The role holder will support the delivery of effective linkages with other members of the consortium and the wider supply chain, as well as AHDB teams, to ensure the successful delivery of the project and value for levy payers.
We are looking for applicants with extensive experience in the dairy industry and programme management within a project environment. Building strong and effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders will be key to the success of this role. Strong leadership skills are also crucial to manage a field-based team, and the role holder will be required to execute a comprehensive industry engagement plan to achieve successful delivery.
Established in 2008, AHDB is the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British farmers, growers and processors in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers and processors, often where no one else can or will.
The benefits…
We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities to give you the recognition you deserve:
Apply now, or call 024 7693 5722 if you require any further information.
Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.
At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.
Animal scientists and technologists who have since retired are also eligible to retain their membership with reduced membership fees.
£60 per annum
Those from low and middle-income countries, are eligible for reduced annual membership fees, eligible countries are listed here
£25 per annum
We continue to support graduates during their early career development, with reduced annual membership costs for up to 3 years after their graduation date.
Those in full-time education are eligible for full BSAS membership for a reduced annual cost, you must provide details about your education programme in your application.
Our Corporate Membership programme is designed to foster partnerships between industry leaders, researchers, and professionals dedicated to the advancement and sustainable development of the animal science sector.
Corporate membership of BSAS opens a wide range of opportunities and resources that are designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of animal science.
Our standard membership option, suitable for those with a career in animal science and animal technologies.
£120 per annum
Join the BISAS animal science community to take advantage of...
All types of BISAS members receive these benefits.
Imagine being in a space just large enough for you to lie down, stand up, and take a single step forward or backward, but not turn around, not stretch fully, and not choose when to move. Quite quickly you would probably find yourself becoming stiff, feeling stressed, and sensory deprived amongst a list of other welfare issues. Now think about living full time in that space for up to 5 weeks, multiple times per year. This is currently a typical life experience for the majority of sows across Europe, including the UK, because each time they are due to give birth to their piglets (2 to 3 times per year), they can legally be confined to a ‘farrowing crate’. Although sows in both the UK and the EU must be managed in groups for the majority of their lives, they are usually moved to farrowing crates from up to 1 week prior to giving birth, until all their piglets are weaned at about 4 weeks of age.
Farrowing crates are narrow metal stalls that are just longer and wider than the size of a typical sow. Their purpose is to restrict the sows’ movement to reduce the risk of her accidentally lying down on, or rolling over onto her piglets, and crushing them. Crushing of piglets is a significant cause of injury and mortality, so the idea behind farrowing crates is that they protect the piglets and help to sustain the profitability of the farm. These crates are highly successful at reducing piglet injury and mortality, even though they are a concern for sow welfare. In 2018 the End the Cage Age European Citizens Initiative gathered 1.4 million signatures supporting a ban on the use of cages for farmed animals, including farrowing crates.
However, there has been some recent good news for sows; at the end of 2025 the UK government revealed their plan to end the use of farrowing crates in the UK. This emphasises the UK’s government strategy for farm animal welfare to have “a good life throughout all life stages”. Several EU member states (Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Finland; around 30% of the EU market), have already taken steps towards banning crates, or at least promoting the use of less restrictive systems.
Research and industry have already recognised the need to consider alternative systems to improve sow welfare, including an interim scenario (Figure 1). There is a lot of confusion in the literature regarding the terminology used to describe these systems, which is why we suggest using the descriptors in Figure 1. Currently, it is believed that 92% of indoor pig farms in the UK are using permanent crates (NPA, 2024). In Ireland, the percentage is estimated to be higher, with only very few farmers currently trialing temporary crates.
An important question is how a transition towards more freedom for sows will affect piglets, as well as farmers and the wider industry. Even transitioning to a well-designed system that still allows for protection of the piglets (e.g. a warm, suitably positioned creep area, along with side bars to prevent the sows from trapping them against the walls), is likely to be challenging. Although not yet widely used, several systems have been developed through research that allow sow movement yet have good piglet survival (e.g. the Pig Safe system; see here for more information). Besides the pigs themselves, another challenge is to support farm staff during the transition; Teagasc and SRUC are currently carrying out research focusing on the factors that might ease the change over from the perspective of the farmer as well as the animals.
It is likely that it will take many years to switch over entirely to temporary or zero crate systems as it involves significant infrastructure changes. Besides the change in fixtures and fittings, temporary and zero crate systems involve more cost for producers, as they require more space per sow. There could also be implications for planning permission and the size of the herd, with consequent concerns about the economic sustainability of the pig industry.
Where to next?
To succeed in phasing out permanent crates it is essential that clear guidance is provided by governments regarding deadlines and transition periods. This will help farmers make decisions about investment in their farrowing facilities and avoid continuous investment in permanent crate systems. Financial support could also aid the transition; in Ireland for example the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme currently provides funding of up to 40% for farmers to install zero or temporary crating systems.
The study of animal welfare has advanced so that we now understand the importance of mental as well as physical well-being. This means it’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify the routine use of systems such as permanent crates, as the social licence to farm could be contested. The good news is that the pig industry has accepted this challenge, and many farmers are voluntarily moving towards alternatives to permanent crating. If the transition is managed well this will improve not only the welfare of pigs, but the long term viability of the industry.
Baxter et al., 2025. ‘End the cage age’: review of technical issues associated with the replacement of farrowing crates for sows and proposals for harmonized legislation
Mousten et al., 2025. Sows turned unhindered at less than their own body length - implications for farrowing pen design
Animal welfare strategy for England - GOV.UK
(18) To crate/cage or not to crate/cage ... no longer a question | LinkedIn
What is free farrowing? | AHDB
Location: Teagasc, Animal & Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath
Salary: Research Officer with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618
Closing Date: 09/04/2026 12:00 PM
Permanent Full Time
To develop, lead and implement a state of the art research programme in the production of suckler beef cattle with particular focus on the following:
The beef industry is a major contributor to the value of Ireland’s agri-food sector. For example, the output value of the Irish cattle sector is typically in excess of €3 billion annually. Additionally, beef cattle production is a significant enterprise on over 94,000 farms, which are widely dispersed throughout the country. Teagasc plays a key role in developing and supporting competitive, profitable and sustainable systems of beef production.
These production systems must maximise the use of grazed grass to capitalize on Ireland’s natural competitive advantage in grass production, and to contribute to the high quality, grass-fed reputation of Irish beef worldwide.
Teagasc are seeking to appoint a highly qualified and enthusiastic researcher to develop and lead a cutting edge research programme to underpin the continued development and sustainability of the Irish suckler beef production sector. The successful candidate’s research programme will have particular emphasis on, but will not be limited to, investigating the impact of animal genetics and nutrition on the biological performance of suckler beef cattle, and how these management interventions influence both economic and environmental sustainability. The programme will also investigate how to further increase animal performance from grazed and conserved forage. This will be a key appointment for Teagasc with national significance in further developing our beef industry over the coming years.
The Grange campus is part of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Teagasc and has extensive facilities for field and laboratory research. These include pasture and overwintering facilities for in excess of 1100 cattle including 200 beef cows and their progeny to finish. Field and laboratory resources include state of the art electronic individual feed intake and methane emissions measurement equipment; a feed digestibility research unit and a suite of animal nutrition, animal health and molecular biology based laboratories to support a world-class beef cattle research programme.
Indeed, Teagasc has an international reputation for research and development in grass-based systems of livestock production and the successful candidate will work with a dynamic and multidisciplinary team of researchers and knowledge transfer specialists across Teagasc’s Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme at Moorepark, Grange and Athenry.
* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.
Note: While a PhD is an essential requirement for this post, equivalent research experience may be deemed acceptable solely at the discretion of the Director of Teagasc
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
