A leading pig nutritionist whose work has helped enhance pig health and productivity across the world has been presented with a prestigious award recognising his contribution to animal science.
John O’Doherty, Professor of Animal Nutrition at University College Dublin, was awarded the BSAS Sir John Hammond Award at the society’s annual conference at the University of Chester (6 April).
Presented to scientists in the early to mid-part of their careers who have made a significant contribution to animal science and production, Professor O’Doherty received the award for his work developing nutritional strategies which have helped improve pig production.
An internationally-recognised scientist, Professor O’Doherty’s work has included developing novel husbandry strategies to improve the way pigs utilise feed, and looking at how nutrition of sows affects the health and lifetime productivity of their offspring.
Working closely with farmers and industry, his research has included investigating the nutritional benefits of prebiotics, antimicrobials and enzymes from sources such as seaweeds, cereals and milk by-products.
He has also conducted significant research into the ways diet can reduce odour, ammonia emissions and the excretion of nitrogen and phosphorous in manure.
As well as publishing almost 200 peer-reviewed papers - for which he was granted a Doctor of Science degree in 2014 - Professor O’Doherty regularly talks to pig farmers to help explain how his science can be applied on-farm.
Presenting the award, BSAS President Caroline Rymer said Professor O’Doherty had made substantial contributions to animal science and helping the pig industry take steps to become more productive.
Commending his work in helping to develop the next generation of scientists through his work with undergraduate, post-graduate and PhD students, Dr Rymer added:
“I am hugely proud to present John with this prize. He is an excellent role model for young scientists and his work has inspired countless people across academia, agriculture and the winder industry.”
Accepting the award, Professor O’Doherty said it was an exciting time to work in animal science and he was proud to be part of the sector.
“As we try to find ways to feed 9bn people by 2050, we need the brightest people developing the best technologies to help us,” he said.
“The funding and technologies we have available to us now mean we have so many more opportunities open to us than we had even just a few years ago.
“We are recruiting some fantastic people, so I’m excited for the future. It’s a great time to be an animal scientist.”
