Professor Vasil Pirgozliev

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Dr Vasil Pirgozliev

Agriculture and Environment, Harper Adams University

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Poultry Nutrition.
Sustainable Poultry Production.
Mode of Action of Feed Additives.
Energy Metabolism.
Animal Health.

Involved with these other projects

Supervision Style

In a few words or phrases: outcome-oriented, supportive, goal-driven, guiding, understanding.

Provision of Teaching

From the beginning of your PhD I will expect you to independently figure out appropriate methods and changes to methodology.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I am here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals you set for yourself. Anyway, you will take full ownership of your progression and come to me when you need help troubleshooting.

Communication

Whenever you need me you are welcome to see me.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per month

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

These meetings will be mainly face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response every working day.

Working Pattern

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 month’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Improving gut health of broiler chickens through selection of dietary cereal inclusion

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Improving gut health of broiler chickens through selection of dietary cereal inclusion

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Stephen Mansbridge, Dr James McCaughern

University of Registration: Harper Adams University

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare)

Project Outline

The cost of feed accounts for about 70% of total poultry production expenses. There is an annual rise in the price of dietary ingredients and in addition, animal production is predicted to double until 2050, thus further increasing the competition for raw feed materials. Optimal feeding of poultry for sustainable production requires combined knowledge of nutritional information, raw material selection and processing technologies. Understanding how these formulated diets interact with biological processes in the gastrointestinal environment of the bird is vital to preventing metabolic disorders and ensuring bird wellbeing. Based on research at the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry, the aim of this PhD is to explore the interactions of common cereals and nutritional modulation, such as incorporation of feed additives, used in broiler chicken diets through a laboratory-based approach. The National Institute of Poultry Husbandry at Harper Adams University is a purpose-built research facility designed to conduct high impact research investigating solutions towards improving poultry production, nutrition, health and welfare; whilst safeguarding animal, human and environmental health. Biological samples obtained from poultry studies can be analysed in the on-site laboratories, using a range of analytical methodologies. This can include 'omics', standard feed analysis and other relevant wet chemistry methods. Applicants will be expected to have strong wet chemistry and data analysis skills enabling them to take an 'omics' approach to sample analysis.