Animal and Equine Science

Research carried out by the Animal and Equine Science academic team focuses on animal health and welfare, equestrian sports and human-animal interactions. The team includes specialists in animal nutrition and feeding behaviour, parasitology, reproductive physiology, animal cognition and perception, horse and rider performance and the anatomy and physiology of equine hoof. This research is recognised both nationally and internationally and involves collaboration with a number of different institutions, as well as other departments within NTU. Projects have been developed with colleagues in Psychology, Sports Science, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Computing and Informatics and Chemistry, Engineering and Physics. All work in the School aims to improve the conditions and welfare of animals.

Support and funding for research in this area has been provided by a number of research councils and external companies (including the EPSRC, BBSRC and the animal feed industry). Results have been presented at recent meetings of the British Society of Animal Science, British Equine Veterinary Association, International Society for Equitation Science, International Society for Applied Ethology, European Association for Animal Production, European Workshop on Equine Nutrition, European Zoo Nutrition Symposium and World Poultry Science Association (UK Branch Annual Meeting). Research carried out by a member of the academic team was included in the RAE 2008 submission (Unit 44: Psychology) the results of which identified the research as being of national and international significance.

The majority of the research carried out by the Animal and Equine Science academic team is conducted at the Brackenhurst campus and is supported by a range of equipment. Systems that can be used to monitor animal physiology and behaviour include Biopac, Observer and Ethosys. There is laboratory provision within the School and at the Clifton campus.