Short Description of the Thesis/Topic:
The experiment will be conducted at the LFG Kremesberg farm in NÖ with dairy cows. Measurements will include feed, rumen fluid, feces for digestibility, wet fecal sieving and chewing activity.

Requirements:
Basic knowledge in animal nutrition. Experience handling cows. Preferably a student at the last part cycle of studies from the 7^th semester.

Further Information:
This thesis will require work in the barn (NÖ) and laboratory of the Centre for Animal Nutrition and Welfare (Vienna). The duration of the experiment will be 2 months from May till June.

Planned duration of the thesis project:
6 Months, Start: May 2024

Language of the Thesis:
English

Name of the Institute/Clinic/Unit:
Centre for Animal Nutrition and Welfare

Contact Person for the Thesis:

• Raul Rivera Chacon
• E-Mail: raul.rivera-chacon@vetmeduni.ac.at; qendrim.zebeli@vetmeduni.ac.at

Interested candidates may reply until: 
15.04.2024

Short Description of the Thesis/Topic:
Colitis is a frequent and serious problem in horses as well as humans. The pathophysiological mechanisms are supposed to involve a complex crosstalk between immune cells and epithelial cells that results in destruction of the epithelial barrier and further progression of disease. This project aims to establish a co-culture model of equine colon epithelium and immune cells to characterize the signalling pathways involved and to test new therapeutic approaches.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
High motivation, experience in cell culture work and/or molecular biology;  
BSc degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine or a related subject 

Further Information:
We offer a highly supportive team, established methods and guidance by supervisor and colleagues.

Language of the Thesis:
German or English

Duration of the thesis:
6 months

Name of the Institute/Clinic/Unit:
Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Contact Person for the Thesis:
Franziska Dengler - Franziska.dengler@vetmdeuni.ac.at
Jessika Cavalleri - Jessika.cavalleri@vetmeduni.ac.at

Feedback from students requested by:
as soon as possible, flexible starting date

Please send a short CV and motivation letter.