Kayley Barnes

Final year PhD Researcher investigating ‘Seaweeds: A natural approach to improve ruminant productivity, quality of animal products and reduce environmental emissions’ with a strong background in animal science and nutrition.

My research focus is on investigating different seaweed species, forms and feeding methods to improve nutrient use efficiency and animal performance, while simultaneously reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants. Encompassing the One Health approach across my research by also considering the impacts of a feeding strategy on the quality of animal products for human consumption.

Main research areas of interest are the investigation of the mechanisms by which seaweed bioactive compounds (i.e phlorotannins and halogenated compounds) i) vary across seaweed species ii) reduce environmental impact (greenhouse gases and ammonia) iii) effect animal product quality characteristics) iv) impact animal health and the rumen microbiome community. Assessed by a range of ruminant specific in-vitro and in-vivo approaches, alongside different spectroscopy techniques which includes targeted GCMS/MS methods.