Postdoctoral position (M/F) : Quantifying losses in dairy production due to heat-stress

Context One of the impacts of climate change is the increasing frequency and intensity of heat-stress events, creating new challenges for livestock production. In dairy cattle, heat-stress, often measured through the exposure to elevated temperature-humidity-indexes (THI), is known to negatively impact milk production, reproduction, health, and ultimately the economic and environmental efficiency of dairy farming systems. Dairy cows, however, do not respond uniformly to heat stress. Substantial genetic variation exists in the ability of animals to maintain production when exposed to challenging climatic conditions. This variation can be investigated through genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions across the THI experienced by animals. Changes in genetic parameters and breeding values across THI levels provide a framework for characterising differences in animal sensitivity to heat stress and identifying animals that are better able to maintain production under high temperatures. Quantifying this impact of heat-stress in dairy cattle production is therefore essential to anticipate the consequences of future climatic conditions and to develop effective selection strategies to mitigate the impact of these conditions to the sector.You will be welcomed in the unit GABI, team: GBoS – Genetics for Bovine Sustainability Your mission will be to explore genetic and phenotypic information, combined with environmental data, to quantify production losses associated with heat stress in dairy cattle, over a whole lactation. A study of the trans-lactation impact of heat-stress is also envisioned for this position. Genetic evaluation models accounting for G×E interactions across the THI will be deployed in large-scale animal and meteorological data for the studies planned in this position. Topic The position will focus on exploiting genetic and phenotypic information, combined with environmental data, to quantify production losses associated with heat stress in dairy cattle, over a whole lactation. A study of the trans-lactation impact of heat-stress is also envisioned for this position. Genetic evaluation models accounting for G×E interactions across the THI will be deployed in large-scale animal and meteorological data for the studies planned in this position. Objectives The analyses conducted by the postdoc should contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of heat-stress and provide quantitative indicators of the impact of heat stress at both animal and population levels. You will be more specifically in charge of: Perform genetic evaluations accounting for GxE interactions Critically analyze the outputs of these genetic evaluations Deliver scientific reports and present results to diverse public