Dr Stephen Mansbridge

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Agriculture and Environment, Harper Adams University

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Stephen is a registered animal scientist accredited by the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) and is both a Chartered Biologist and Chartered Scientist. Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and a PhD in Animal Science (pig nutrition and health) from Harper Adams University, Stephen leads the Pig, Poultry & Aquatic Animals Research Group of the Animal Science Research Centre. He is an AMTRA qualified animal medicines advisor (all species), with a background in agriculture and specialist interests in animal health and nonruminant nutrition. With a particular focus on livestock production research, Stephen serves as an Editor-in-Chief of CABI Animal Science Cases and is a member of the Food Safety Subgroup of the Pig Health and Welfare Council.

Scientific Inspiration

My passion for science began with 'The Selfish Gene' by Professor Richard Dawkins, largely in the way he logically conveys the topic of evolutionary biology through the details in his writing and choice of poetic language.

Research Groups

Pig, Poultry & Aquatic Animals Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: goal-driven; approachable; collaborative.

Provision of Training

From the beginning of your PhD I will expect you to independently figure out appropriate methods and changes to methodology, but I will provide some limited direct support for technical skills (e.g. animal handling, laboratory methods, experimental design, data analysis).

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will expect you to take full ownership of your progression but come to me when you need help troubleshooting. I do however like to be kept up to date, and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a weekly/monthly basis. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

My research team generally drop in to see me whenever they need to or put a Teams call in my diary, rather than email me directly.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per month. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

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 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Safeguarding the welfare of piglets through improved feeding practices

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).

Safeguarding the welfare of piglets through improved feeding practices

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Sarah Icely, Mr Alan Stewart

University of Registration: Harper Adams University

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare)

Project Outline

In the UK alone, over 10 million pigs are produced each year for pork, significantly contributing to the economy and food security. Rapid genetic progress in sow prolificacy in recent years has lead to an increase in hyperprolific sows in the UK and EU pig herd. Challenges associated with these hyperprolific sows include adequate numbers of functional teats to ensure piglet survival, and piglet management strategies such as provision of supplementary milk (SM) and creep feed to suckling piglets. Ensuring adequate piglet pre-weaning nutrition is vital to reduce the risk of starvation, and prevent malnourishment leading to metabolic disorders. The link between nutrition, immunity and infection is well-known with well-nourished pigs being less susceptible to health challenges. Recent research into SM provision to prevent piglet starvation, and support their nutritional needs has identified a variety of factors for further exploration. This PhD will use animal and laboratory-based approaches at Harper Adams University to investigate factors including SM formulation and feed additives, sow nutrition for improved milk quality, and pig stress responses. The aims of the project are to advance safeguarding of piglet welfare through improved feeding practices. Harper Adams University Future Farm pig unit has a strong track record in applied pig research, operating a 230-sow commercial research herd, and is equipped with specialist PigTrack technology capable of recording individual piglet SM and creep consumption. Biological samples obtained from pig studies can be analysed in the on-site laboratories, using a range of analytical methodologies. This can include 'omics', inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) for mineral status determination, standard feed analysis and other relevant wet chemistry methods.

Co-supervisor on a project / projects with: Professor Vasil Pirgozliev, Dr James McCaughern