Risk factors for piglet mortality in organic
pig production
Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Science and
Technology, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Animal Science programme. The
position is available from 1 May 2014 or later.
Title:
Risk factors for piglet mortality in organic pig production
Research area and project description:
Organic pig production is a clear alternative to conventional pig production with sows and
piglets on pasture, access to roughage and organic feed. However, high piglet mortality in
organic pig production is seen as a major barrier for obtaining the market potential for organic
pork which is significantly higher than the current 1 %. The causes of the relative high piglet
mortality rate in Danish organic pig production are not well known and the importance of risk
factors related to the sow and the piglets have not been investigated. The purpose of this PhD
project is to identify and quantify risk factors for piglet mortality related to the sow and to the
piglets in Danish organic pig production. A two step observational study in Danish organic
pig herds with detailed recordings will be carried out. Autopsies will be conducted by the PhD
student on a random sample of dead piglets in each herd. The PhD project is conducted as an
integrated part of an interdisciplinary research project focusing on management and breeding
factors for decreasing piglet mortality in organic pig production. The research area for the
PhD project is veterinary epidemiology and livestock herd management.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant Master Degree in veterinary science or in animal science.
Place of Employment and Place of Work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Research Center
Foulum, Blichers Alle 20, 8830 Tjele Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
Jan Tind Sørensen
Professor. Head of research unitDepartment of
Animal Science, AU
Tel.: +45 8715 7923
Mobile: +45 2078 3343
Email: JanTind.Sorensen@agrsci.dk