Animal behaviour and welfare lab
Research Field
Dr. Yi-Chun Lin is an academic and researcher with a rich background in animal welfare and behavior, specifically focusing on farm animals. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Bristol, where she majored in farm animal welfare and conducted significant research on the use of animal welfare outcome measurements in farm assurance schemes.
Currently, Dr. Lin holds the position of Assistant Professor at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan. In her role, she teaches a variety of courses including Animal Ethics, Animal Behavior, Animal Welfare, Hygiene of Livestock and Fowls, Companion Animal, Anatomy, and Physiology of Animals. Her research interests remain deeply rooted in Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior, and Precision Livestock Farming.
Dr. Lin is actively involved in several research projects that aim to enhance the welfare and performance of animals. Some of her current projects include studying the effects of early-life heat stress exposure on dairy calves, criteria for effective stunning of indigenous broilers, coccidiosis prevalence and prevention in cage-free hen systems, and obesity prevalence and training methods for house dogs.
The Animal Behavior and Welfare Lab, led by principal investigator Dr. Yi-Chun Lin, is a dynamic research group based at National Chung Hsing University. The lab focuses on advancing our understanding of animal welfare and behavior through various innovative research projects. The team comprises one Ph.D. student and six master’s students, each contributing to the rich academic and practical environment fostered by Dr. Lin.
The lab's research portfolio is diverse and focuses on both farm and companion animals. Here's an overview of the current study projects being undertaken:
- Slow-Growth Poultry Humane Slaughter: This project investigates the slaughter practices of slow-growth poultry breeds, aiming to enhance the humane aspects of processing and potentially improve meat quality.
- Exposure to Heat Stress and Its Impact on the Welfare of Dairy Calves: This study assesses the effects of early-life heat stress on dairy calves, examining both immediate and long-term welfare implications, including growth performance and health outcomes.
- Perching Behavior of Hens and Its Implication on Welfare
2024 Teaching Excellence Award II
2024 University Outstanding Mentor Award
2021 University Merit Award for Excellent Teaching Program
2021 University Outstanding Mentor Award
Dr. Yi-Chun Lin's educational background is marked by significant academic achievements in the field of animal welfare and veterinary sciences. Here are the details of her educational qualifications:
Ph.D. in Farm Animal Welfare
- Institution: University of Bristol, UK
- Year Graduated: 2015
- Thesis: "The use of animal welfare outcome measurements in farm assurance schemes"
- Supervisors: Prof. David Main and Dr. Siobhan Mullan
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Technology
- Institution: National Taiwan University
- Year Graduated: 2009
During her time at the University of Bristol, Dr. Lin focused her research on enhancing the methods used to measure and improve animal welfare within farm assurance schemes, contributing to the field with both practical insights and theoretical advancements. Her education at National Taiwan University provided her with a robust foundation in animal science, equipping her with the essential knowledge and skills that later supported her specialization in animal welfare during her doctoral studies.
1 Vacancy
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated researcher to join our innovative study evaluating the condition for humane slaughter of slow-growth indigenous chickens. This project aims to understand how the body weight or the body fat influencing the stunning efficiency in slow-growth chickens.
During the internship, participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in humane slaughter techniques, animal welfare assessments, and data collection on physiological and behavioral responses to stunning. Responsibilities include assisting with conducting behavioral observations and physiological measurements, analyzing data on the impact of body composition on stunning effectiveness, and collaborating with researchers to refine humane slaughter protocols. Interns will also document findings and contribute to reports or presentations on the study’s outcomes.
Preferred Intern Education Level
Ideal candidates should be a Graduate students (Master’s level or above) and have a background in animal science, veterinary medicine, or a related field, with a strong interest in animal welfare and humane slaughter research. Applicants should be comfortable handling live poultry ethically and following experimental protocols while demonstrating strong observational, data collection, and analytical skills. A willingness to work in a research setting with farm animals is essential.
Skill sets or Qualities
The ideal candidate for this research internship should possess the following skill sets and qualities:
- Animal Handling Skills – Experience in handling poultry or other farm animals in a humane and ethical manner.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – Capacity to analyze data related to body composition and stunning efficiency, and contribute to research findings.
- Attention to Detail – Strong observational skills to detect behavioral and physiological responses accurately.
- Teamwork and Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with researchers, technicians, and farm personnel.
- Adaptability and Resilience – Willingness to work in farm and slaughterhouse environments, with flexibility in handling unexpected research challenges.
1 Vacancy
Job Description
- Collect data on calf health, growth metrics, and behavioral responses under different environmental conditions.
- Engage with stakeholders including farm staff and veterinarians to facilitate project objectives.
Preferred Intern Education Level
Graduate student (Master or above)
Skill sets or Qualities
- One who has animal study experience.
- Familiar with cattle physiologyy and behaviour.
- Demonstrated experience in handling large animals, particularly calves, with a strong commitment to animal welfare.
- Willingness to work in varying climatic conditions and to adapt to flexible working hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required by the research protocol.