Research
Projects
This will be done at 2 levels: mini-project during the
introductory course and the principle research project which is the core
component of the MSc programme.
1. Mini-Projects
The objective is to create an environment which will
facilitate the learning of experimental design, execution, recording, analysis
and presentation which are necessary steps in carrying out any research activity.
Each participant is set a specific project which will entail
application of an appropriate experimental design, recording (spreadsheet) and
analysis (Minitab) of the data in the computer and finally a written (word
processing) and oral presentation (Power Point) of the results.Thus the mini-project is an integral part of weeks 4 to 12 dedicated to design
and analysis of experiments. A tentative list of topics for the first Regional
MSc is given below.
- Comparison
of input / output parameters (gas production, analysis and recording of
input slurry and output effluents for DM, total N and NH3-N) of a
“mixing biodigester” and the standard “plug-flow’ polyethylene
tubular biodigester.
- Effect
of different oil and fat sources on the rumen ecosystem in goats fed rice
straw and cassava foliage. The oil / fat
(5ml/kg liveweight) is given as drench or in the feed. Protozoal counts,
ammonia and pH in rumen fluid measured before and at intervals after oil /
fat administration.
- Digestibility
of oil /fat and diet DM and N in growing goats given the oil / fat at 5
ml/kg liveweight. Feed and faeces recorded before and after oil / fat
administration.
- Effect
of different oils and method of administration (by drench or in feed) on
rumen ecosystem of cattle fed rice straw and cassava foliage, with and
without urea. Protozoal counts, ammonia and pH in rumen fluid measured
before and at intervals after oil / fat administration.
- Effect
of different substrates (manure and biodigester effluents) on growth and
composition of duckweed (DM, N, water soluble DM and N) and the N and NH3
concentrations in the pond water.
- Effect
of different substrates (manure and biodigester effluents) on growth and
composition of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) (DM, N, water soluble
DM and N) and the N and NH3 concentrations in the pond water.
- Effect
of supplementary methionine on N retention and digestibility of ducks fed
sugar palm juice, dried fish and graded levels of rubber tree seed meal (0
to 30% in the diet)
- Study
of scavenging behaviour and intake of supplement of local, crossbred or
hybrid chicks, raised with or without local hen “mothers”.
Requires observations of behaviour
of hens and chicks, growth rates and intake of supplements made from local
feed resources or as balanced feed.
- Cafeteria
studies with mature and suckling (inexperienced) goats. Forags offered are:
mulberry (Morus alba), Gliricidia sepium, Desmanthus
virgatum , Cassava
- Comparison
of nutritive value (Total and water soluble DM and N, and NDF) of
young and old leaves taken
from the top and bottom of the Trichanthera gigantea tree.
- Effect
of methionine supplementation on N retention and digestibility in growing
pigs fed sugar palm juice, dried fish and graded levels of rubber seed meal
- Determining
the response curve of yield of Chinese cabbage to increasing levels of N from
effluent of biodigesters charged
with manure from cattle or pigs
- Growth
and reproduction of California earthworms
on different substrates (manure from goats or cattle)
- Effect
of cassava foliage as sole diet
or as supplement to grass on feed intake and intestinal nematode infestation
in growing goats in confinement
- Comparing
fertility of a range of soils using the maize growth “biotest”. And
analysis of N and carbon in the soils
- Study
of loading rates and input solids concentration in laboratory scale
“mixing” biodigesters”.
2. Principal Research Project
This component of the MSc programme will
be financed from the Research Fund. Students are expected to begin to formulate
their research project during the course work, taking advantage of the expertise
and experience of the resource persons at the participating institutions. The
detailed activities will be drawn up during the final weeks of the initial phase
of the course which will be held at UAF.
Students will in the main do their
research project in their home country, however, there will be opportunities to
work in other countries in the region according to the chosen subject.
Communication by Email will facilitate
close interaction between students and facilitators throughout the conduct of
the research. The initial phase of
the write-up of the research will begin at the student’s work place with the
final preparation of the thesis being done at UAF.
The defence of the theses will be
arranged to coincide with the holding of the annual workshops and will be
rotated around the participating institutions.
Research
fund (2001-2003)
The participating countries are
Cambodia, Lao and Thailand. Vietnam will continue to receive research funds
through the existing bilateral agreement, which will continue through 2002.
Inter-country and multi-disciplinary projects will be encouraged in which
Vietnamese researchers will be able to participate.
The lead scientists in each research
application must be members of the network but scientists from non-member
institutions / departments may be members of the team.
The research to be done by participants
in the MSc training programme (see 4.3) will be financed from the Research Fund.
The average size of grant will be USD 6,000 and indicative numbers (including an
estimated 16 grants for MSc students in 2002) are:
- 2001
(8 grants = $48,000)
- 2002
(28 grants = $168,000)
- 2003
(16 grants = $96,000)
The steering committee will have the
responsibility of reviewing and approving requests for grants from the research
fund. Recipients of research grants
must present the results of their work at the annual workshops
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