Emma Bleach

Dr. Emma Bleach is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at Harper Adams University's Agriculture and Environment Department. With a dairy farming background, her research focuses on optimizing dairy cow reproduction, calf rearing systems, and sustainable livestock practices. She holds a PhD in Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology from the University of Reading (2000), specializing in ovarian dynamics and hormone profiles in dairy cows.

Her work integrates experimental techniques like transrectal ultrasonography and immunoassays with precision livestock technologies. Current research includes dairy cow-calf rearing, calf weaning transitions, and equine anthelmintic resistance. She co-leads the PGC/PGD/MSc Ruminant Nutrition program and teaches modules on farm animal production, sustainable livestock systems, and ruminant feeding strategies.

Emma’s research projects emphasize calf health, including milk feeding regimes, concentrate systems, and welfare monitoring via sensors. She has supervised 6 PhD/MRes students investigating topics like oestrus expression, calf jackets, and Johne’s disease behavior impacts. Her work bridges practical management and academic rigor, supported by her roles in the British Society of Animal Science and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Key research groups:

• Beef and Sheep Research Group
• Dairy, Heifer and Calf Research Group

Awards:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Teaching contributions span undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including module leadership for Recent Advances in Ruminant Nutrition and Principles and Practice of Livestock Husbandry. Her work frequently addresses stakeholder perceptions in animal health services and co-produced care frameworks.