Sustainable fat-rich feedstuffs in dairy cow diets: effects on enteric methane emission, digestibility, milk production and milk composition
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Sustainable fat-rich feedstuffs in dairy cow diets: effects on enteric methane emission, digestibility, milk production and milk composition
Sustainable fat-rich feedstuffs in dairy cow diets: effects on enteric methane emission, digestibility, milk production and milk composition
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Animal and Veterinary Sciences programme. The position is available from 01 June 2026 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title
Sustainable fat-rich feedstuffs in dairy cow diets: effects on enteric methane emission, digestibility, milk production and milk composition
Research area and project description
We are seeking a dedicated PhD student with a background in animal, veterinary or biological sciences for a 3-year position on the use of sustainably sourced fat-rich feedstuffs in rations for high-yielding dairy cows. Our focus is on fat supplementation as a methane mitigation strategy, effects of different fat sources on rumen digestion as well as the combination of fat with other strategies to reduce enteric methane as well as emissions from barn and storage.
Fat supplementation has for many years been a strategy to increase the energy density of the diet and hence improve milk production. Further, it is a well-documented strategy to reduce enteric methane in dairy cows. While palm fat-based products are commonly used and easy to handle, the sustainability agenda calls for more sustainably sourced alternatives, which, however, should not have a negative effect on fibre degradation or milk composition. Alternative fat supplements with more sustainable sourcing and treatments to limit rumen biohydrogenation are in focus in this project.
The PhD student will study different fat supplements used as feed for dairy cows using intensive animal trials with multi-fistulated dairy cows and production trials.
Expected contents of the project are:
The project is performed in collaboration with the feed and dairy industries. This PhD project is part of two projects “KLIMAFEDT” and ”MILK”.
The project offers:
Project description
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant university degree (MSc) in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Science or related fields.
The candidate is expected to have:
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU-Viborg, Research Centre Foulum, Blichers allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 17 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Preferred starting date is 01 June 2026.
Please note:
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Animal and Veterinary Sciences programme. The position is available from 01 June 2026 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title
Sustainable fat-rich feedstuffs in dairy cow diets: effects on enteric methane emission, digestibility, milk production and milk composition
Research area and project description
We are seeking a dedicated PhD student with a background in animal, veterinary or biological sciences for a 3-year position on the use of sustainably sourced fat-rich feedstuffs in rations for high-yielding dairy cows. Our focus is on fat supplementation as a methane mitigation strategy, effects of different fat sources on rumen digestion as well as the combination of fat with other strategies to reduce enteric methane as well as emissions from barn and storage.
Fat supplementation has for many years been a strategy to increase the energy density of the diet and hence improve milk production. Further, it is a well-documented strategy to reduce enteric methane in dairy cows. While palm fat-based products are commonly used and easy to handle, the sustainability agenda calls for more sustainably sourced alternatives, which, however, should not have a negative effect on fibre degradation or milk composition. Alternative fat supplements with more sustainable sourcing and treatments to limit rumen biohydrogenation are in focus in this project.
The PhD student will study different fat supplements used as feed for dairy cows using intensive animal trials with multi-fistulated dairy cows and production trials.
Expected contents of the project are:
- In-vivo rumen degradation and biohydrogenation of different fat sources and the effect on nutrient digestibility. Novel fat sources are being developed at an earlier stage of the project.
- Feed intake, milk response and production traits of selected fat supplements fed to high-yielding dairy cows
- Combination of fat supplementation with methane-reducing feed additives and different forages
The project is performed in collaboration with the feed and dairy industries. This PhD project is part of two projects “KLIMAFEDT” and ”MILK”.
The project offers:
- A unique opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable and climate-friendly milk production.
- A stimulating academic environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
- Collaboration with high-ranking scientists in this field as well as external partners
Project description
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant university degree (MSc) in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Science or related fields.
The candidate is expected to have:
- Interest in ruminant nutrition and digestion
- Experience with data analysis
- Ability and interest in collaborating across disciplines with project partners
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- Good scientific and writing skills
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU-Viborg, Research Centre Foulum, Blichers allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
- Martin Riis Weisbjerg, martin.weisbjerg@anivet.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Christian Friis Børsting, cfb@anivet.au.dk (co-supervisor)
- Maike Johannes Brask, maike.brask@anivet.au.dk (co-supervisor)
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 17 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Preferred starting date is 01 June 2026.
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.