Research Interests

Emma's expertise as a reproductive physiologist and endocrinologist combines with her practical management of reproduction in dairy cows, to bring to life her teaching onFarm Animal Production ScienceandSustainable Livestock Production.

Emma's other main research focus is on rearing systems for the dairy-bred calf. These studies are varied but have the underpinning aim of optimising the growth, health and well-being of calves and heifers, to support sustainable dairy production. Her research includes investigations of milk feeding options for dairy-bred calves, concentrate feeding systems and other additional feeds, with a particular interest in easing the weaning transition for the calf. Other research has explored calf management options such as use of calf jackets and the use of precision livestock sensor technologies to monitor the health and well-being of calves. This research supports her post-graduate teaching on Ration Formulation and Feeding Systems and Recent Advances in Ruminant Nutrition and also on Ruminant Feeds and Nutrient Supply and Developments in Feeds and Feeding for our University Diploma in Ruminant Nutrition.

Besides the quantitative research studies, Emma has also used qualitative research methods to investigate youngstock management practices and service provision in the animal health sector.