Emma is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science in the Agriculture and Environment Department. She is from a dairy farming background and is interested in all things dairy!
She graduated from The University of Reading with a PhD in Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology in 2000. Her thesis is titled 'Ovarian follicle dynamics in dairy cows: associations with pregnancy rate, hormone profiles and diet'. Her research developed and utilised transrectal ultrasonography to monitor ovarian follicular and luteal development in dairy cows, a technique which is now commonplace in the vets toolkit but wasnt back then! Alongside ultrasonography, she developed and used a range of radio- and enzyme- immunoassays to monitor changes in reproductive hormones associated with follicular and luteal development, including oestradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and inhibin. She has maintained this interest in regulation of reproduction in dairy cows to optimise the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production systems, most recently supervising a PhD student investigating factors that influence oestrus expression in dairy cows, which utilised precision livestock sensor technologies and reproductive hormone profiles to monitor the strength of oestrus behaviour in lactating dairy cows.
Emma's expertise as a reproductive physiologist and endocrinologist combines with her practical management of reproduction in dairy cows, to bring to life her teaching on Farm Animal Production Science and Sustainable Livestock Production.
Emma's other main research focus is on rearing systems for the dairy-bred calf. These studies are varied but have the underpinning aim of optimising the growth, health and well-being of calves and heifers, to support sustainable dairy production. Her research includes investigations of milk feeding options for dairy-bred calves, concentrate feeding systems and other additional feeds, with a particular interest in easing the weaning transition for the calf. Other research has explored calf management options such as use of calf jackets and the use of precision livestock sensor technologies to monitor the health and well-being of calves. This research supports her post-graduate teaching on Ration Formulation and Feeding Systems and Recent Advances in Ruminant Nutrition and also on Ruminant Feeds and Nutrient Supply and Developments in Feeds and Feeding for our University Diploma in Ruminant Nutrition.
Besides the quantitative reseach studies, Emma has also used qualitiative research methods to investigate youngstock management practices and service provision in the animal health sector.
BSc Agriculture & Routes, BSc Animal Production Science
PgC / PgD/ MSc Ruminant Nutrition
Ration Formulation and Feeding Systems (A7080)
PgC / PgD / MSc Agricultural Systems and Production Systems
University Diploma in Ruminant Nutrition
Current supervisions
Previous supervisions
Current supervisions
Previous supervisions
Academic Department: Agriculture and Environment
Research: Beef and Sheep Research Group
Research: Dairy, Heifer and Calf Research Group
Tel: +44 (0)1952 81 5079
Office: AC10 Aspire Centre
Research profile:
Research profile:
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Cow Signals Certified Master Trainer
You can contact Dr Emma Bleach if you would like to discuss any of the following course modules:
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