Open Positions

Master’s Thesis Projects (2025 – 2026)

1.     Project title: Can exhaled volatile sulfur compounds indicate the efficiency of protein utilization in ruminants?

Introduction: Efficient protein metabolism is critical for optimizing productivity and reducing nitrogen losses in ruminant livestock systems. This project investigates whether exhaled volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) are associated with indicators of nitrogen utilization efficiency in ruminants. We aim to test the potential of VSC compounds as non-invasive proxies for underlying protein metabolism dynamics in the rumen of dairy cows.

Timeline: Starting as early as September 2025

2.     Project title: Decoding vitamin D₃: A meta-analysis of its impact on performance and immunity in dairy cows

Introduction: This project conducts a meta-analysis of published studies to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin D₃ supplementation on production performance and immune function in dairy cows. The goal is to provide update on evidence-based insights to optimize vitamin D₃ nutrition strategies for improved health and productivity in sustainable dairy systems.

Timeline: Starting as early as September 2025

3.     Project title: Molecular docking–based in silico and in vitro screening of methane inhibitors targeting rumen microbial pathways

Introduction: Methane emissions from enteric fermentation are a major source of greenhouse gases in ruminant production. This project combines computer-based molecular docking to identify compounds that target key methanogenic enzymes with lab-based rumen fermentation tests to confirm their effects, aiming to find effective methane inhibitors for use in dietary strategies that support climate-smart, sustainable cattle production.

Timeline: Starting as early as September 2025

4.     Project title: Molecular docking–based in silico and in vitro screening of ammonia inhibitors targeting rumen microbial pathways

Introduction: Excessive ammonia production in the rumen leads to nitrogen losses and contributes to environmental pollution, undermining the sustainability of ruminant production. This project uses molecular docking to screen compounds that inhibit microbial enzymes responsible for amino acid deamination, followed by lab-based validation through assays or rumen fermentation. We aim to identify functional inhibitors that reduce ammonia emissions while maintaining fermentation efficiency and supporting climate-smart livestock systems.

Timeline: Starting as early as October 2025

5.     Project title: Meta-analysis of protein-energy interactions and their impact on performance and  nitrogen utilization in dairy cows

Introduction: Optimizing the balance between dietary protein and energy is essential for maximizing nitrogen use efficiency and animal productivity. This project conducts a meta-analysis of published studies to quantify the interactive effects of protein and energy supply on milk performance and nitrogen excretion in dairy cows, offering insights to develop feeding strategies that enhance productivity while supporting environmental sustainability.

Timeline: Starting as early as October 2025

6.     Project title: Meta-analysis of dietary strategies on improving nitrogen utilization efficiency in dairy cows

Introduction: Improving nitrogen utilization efficiency is critical for advancing sustainability in dairy systems. This project systematically reviews and analyzes studies on dietary interventions, such as protein form, amino acid supply, and feeding systems to identify evidence-based strategies that reduce nitrogen losses without compromising productivity in lactating cows.

Timeline: Starting as early as January 2026

7.     Project title: Predicting lifetime productive efficiency in dairy cows using multi-task learning on first-lactation performance records from Swiss herds

Introduction: Improving early decision-making at the farm level is essential for enhancing the productive efficiency and sustainability of dairy herds. By examining first-lactation performance indicators collected under Swiss management systems, this study seeks to apply multi-task learning approach and develop reliable models for forecasting long-term productivity and guiding management decisions.

Timeline: Anytime 2025-2026

8.     Project title: Modeling carry-over effects of heat stress exposure across lactations on dairy cow performance using temperature-humidity index

Introduction: As climate change increases the occurrence of hot and humid conditions, understanding how heat stress exposure across multiple lactations affects dairy cow productivity is vital for sustainable farming. This project investigates how varying levels of temperature-humidity index exposure during early lactations influence performance in later lactations, aiming to reveal carry-over effects on long-term productivity and resilience.

Timeline: Anytime 2025-2026

9.     Project title: Interaction of dietary sulfates and nitrates with rumen protein degradability on performance, ruminal fermentation, and methane emissions in Holstein dairy cows

Introduction: Reducing methane emissions from dairy cows without compromising productivity is a key challenge in sustainable ruminant nutrition. This project investigates how the interaction between dietary sulfates, nitrates, and rumen protein degradability influences animal performance, ruminal fermentation, and methane output in Holstein cows.

Timeline: Starting as early as February 2026

10.  Project title: Exploring the intersection of T-cell immunity in healthy and acutely diseased dairy cows

Introduction: Understanding how immune function shifts between health and disease is key to improving disease resilience in dairy cows. This project examines changes in the metabolic profiles of T cells under healthy and acutely challenged conditions to uncover how immune responsiveness is regulated during disease.

Timeline: Starting as early as August 2026

Should you be interested in joining us for any of these projects, please don’t hesitate to contact Prof. Mutian Niu.

We look forward to hearing from you!