Researcher Training

A large proportion of the work which is carried out at IFRU involves training of researchers from worldwide in various techniques which they can apply to their research at home. Visitors may come for a few weeks simply to learn the technique(s) or for a few months to learn the techniques and carry out some research related to their work at home.

Techniques available

We offer training in methods of feed evaluation involving:

in sacco rumen degradability techniques
in vitro gas production techniques (also used to detect anti-nutritive factors in feedstuffs)

We offer a suite of methods involving nutritional markers. The most prominent of these are:

Techniques for measurement of excretion of purine derivatives for the determination of microbial protein supply to ruminant animals
The n-alkane method for identifying dietary intake, digestibility and botanical diet composition of grazing animals

Furthermore we can provide training in emerging nutritional marker methodologies such as:

Benzoic acid derivatives as markers for lignocellulose digestion
Urinary marker techniques for estimation of botanical diet composition
Plant cuticlular wax components (additional to alkanes) as markers for estimation of botanical diet composition

Dr Ashok Verma from India, who has worked in the Unit 2001- 2003 on a Welcome Trust scholarship.

Alongside training in particular methodologies, we provide opportunities for visitors to improve their general laboratory skills and animal handling skills

Through our links with colleagues throughout our parent institute the Macaulay Institute and at other organisations in Aberdeen such as the Rowett Research Inx`stitute, the Scottish Agricultural College and the University of Aberdeen we can accommodate most requests for training.