Profiles
Megan Verdon
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Megan Verdon
Research Fellow
Room A1-06 , Building A
0409 640 452 (phone)
Career summary
Qualifications
| Degree | Thesis Title | University | Country | Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Sow aggression in groups: Predicting and implications for sow welfare | University of Melbourne | Australia | 2014 |
| Postgraduate Diploma Animal Science and Management | University of Melbourne | Australia | 2010 | |
| B. Sci (Chemistry major) | University of Melbourne | Australia | 2007 |
Memberships
Professional practice
- International Society of Applied Ethology
- Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
View more on Dr Megan Verdon in WARP
Expertise
- Social behaviour of animals
- Animal behaviour
- Animal welfare
- Pig
- Dairy
- Aggressive behaviour
- Individual variation
- Animal personalities
Research Themes
Megan’s research aligns to the University’s research theme of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. Her research interests include understanding the complex relationships between social behaviour, welfare and productivity of animals. Her previous research has demonstrated that, while an individual animal may have a general tendency to deliver more or less aggression, they may also display flexibility around this general tendency depending on prior experiences and the environment (including the social environment). Megan believes that recognising the social needs of production animals and manipulating the commercial system to support the natural development and expression of social behaviour will achieve continued advancement in animal welfare and productivity.
Awards
- Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Science and Innovation Awards (2014)
- Dean’s Honours (2011)
- Australian Pork Limited Postgraduate Research Scholarship Award (2010)
Fields of Research
- Animal management (300302)
- Animal behaviour (310901)
- Animal welfare (300306)
- Agronomy (300403)
- Agricultural systems analysis and modelling (300207)
- Pattern recognition (460308)
- Animal nutrition (300303)
Research Objectives
- Animal welfare (109902)
- Dairy cattle (100402)
- Pigs (100410)
- Beef cattle (100401)
- Environmentally sustainable animal production (100199)
- Sheep for wool (100413)
- Sown pastures (excl. lucerne) (100505)
Publications
Total publications
25
Journal Article
(17 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Langworthy AD, Verdon V, Freeman MJ, Corkrey R, Hills JL, et al., 'Virtual fencing technology to intensively graze lactating dairy cattle I: Technology efficacy and pasture utilization', Journal of Dairy Science pp. 1-13. ISSN 0022-0302 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19796 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Langworthy AD; Freeman MJ; Corkrey R; Hills JL; Rawnsley RP | |
| 2021 | Verdon M, Horton B, Rawnsley R, 'A case study on the use of virtual fencing to intensively graze Angus heifers using moving front and back-fences', Frontiers in Animal Science, 2 Article 663963. ISSN 2673-6225 (In Press) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.663963 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Horton B; Rawnsley R | |
| 2021 | Verdon M, Langworthy A, Rawnsley R, 'Virtual fencing technology to intensively graze lactating dairy cattle II: Effects on cow welfare and behavior', Journal of Dairy Science pp. 1-11. ISSN 0022-0302 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19797 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Langworthy A; Rawnsley R | |
| 2020 | Verdon M, Lee C, Marini D, Rawnsley R, 'Pre-exposure to an electrical stimulus primes associative pairing of audio and electrical stimuli for dairy heifers in a virtual fencing feed attractant trial', Animals, 10, (2) Article 217. ISSN 2076-2615 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/ani10020217 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 | |
| 2020 | Verdon M, Rawnsley R, 'The effects of dairy heifer age at training on rate of learning and retention of learning in a virtual fencing feed attractant trial', Frontiers in Animal Science, 1 Article 4. ISSN 2673-6225 (2020) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Rawnsley R | |
| 2020 | Verdon MJ, Morrison RS, Rault J-L, 'The welfare and productivity of sows and piglets in group lactation from 7, 10, or 14 d postpartum', Journal of Animal Science, 98, (3) Article 037. ISSN 0021-8812 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa037 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 1 | |
| 2019 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Rault J-L, 'Sow and piglet behaviour in group lactation housing from 7 or 14 days postpartum', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 214 pp. 25-33. ISSN 0168-1591 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.03.001 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 4 | |
| 2019 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Rault JL, 'Group lactation from 7 or 14 days of age reduces piglet aggression at weaning compared to farrowing crate housing', Animal, 13, (10) pp. 2327-2335. ISSN 1751-7311 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S1751731119000478 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2018 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Hemsworth PH, 'Forming groups of aggressive sows based on a predictive test of aggression does not affect overall sow aggression or welfare', Behavioural Processes, 150 pp. 17-24. ISSN 0376-6357 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.02.016 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2018 | Verdon M, Rawnsley R, Raedts P, Freeman M, 'The behaviour and productivity of mid-lactation dairy cows provided daily pasture allowance over 2 or 7 intensively grazed strips', Animals, 8, (7) Article 115. ISSN 2076-2615 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/ani8070115 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8 Co-authors: Rawnsley R; Raedts P; Freeman M | |
| 2018 | Verdon M, Zegarra N, Achayra R, Hemsworth PH, 'Floor feeding sows their daily allocation over multiple drops per day does not result in more equitable feeding opportunities in later drops', Animals, 8, (6) Article 86. ISSN 1751-7311 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/ani8060086 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2017 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Rault J-L, 'Group-lactation housing form 7 or 14 days post-partum: effects on piglet behaviour', Animal Production Science, 57, (12) pp. 2450-2450. ISSN 1836-0939 (2017) [Contribution to Refereed Journal] | |
| 2017 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Rault J-L, 'Group-lactaion housing from 7 or 14 days post partum: effects on sow behaviour', Animal Production Science, 57, (12) pp. 2461-2461. ISSN 1836-0939 (2017) [Contribution to Refereed Journal] | |
| 2017 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Rice M, Butler KL, Hemsworth PH, 'The short-term behavioural response of sows, but not gilts, to a social stimulus is related to sow aggressiveness in groups', Behavioural Processes, 140 pp. 216-225. ISSN 0376-6357 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.04.013 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1 | |
| 2016 | Singh C, Verdon M, Cronin GM, Hemsworth PH, 'The behaviour and welfare of sows and piglets in farrowing crates or lactation pens', Animal, 11, (7) pp. 1210-1221. ISSN 1751-7311 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S1751731116002573 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 32Web of Science - 32 | |
| 2016 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Hemsworth PH, 'Rearing piglets in multi-litter group lactation systems: effects on piglet aggression and injuries post-weaning', Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 183 pp. 35-41. ISSN 0168-1591 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.05.008 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 23 | |
| 2016 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Rice M, Hemsworth PH, 'Individual variation in sow aggressive behavior and its relationship with sow welfare', Journal of Animal Science, 94, (3) pp. 1203-1214. ISSN 0021-8812 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-0006 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 16Web of Science - 15 |
Chapter in Book
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Verdon M, 'Aggression between sows', Pigs: Welfare in Practice, 5m Publishing, I Camerlink (ed), Sheffield, UK, pp. 134-135. ISBN 9781789181050 (2020) [Research Book Chapter] | |
| 2018 | Verdon M, Rault J-L, 'Aggression in group housed sows and fattening pigs', Advances in Pig Welfare, Woodhead Publishing, M Spinka (ed), United Kingdom, pp. 235-260. ISBN 9780081010129 (2018) [Research Book Chapter] DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-101012-9.00006-X [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11 |
Review
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Verdon M, Hansen CF, Rault J-L, Jongman LU, Hansen LU, et al., 'Effects of group housing on sow welfare: a review', Journal of Animal Science, 93, (5) pp. 1999-2017. ISSN 0021-8812 (2015) [Substantial Review] DOI: 10.2527/jas2014-8742 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 46Web of Science - 43 |
Conference Publication
(5 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Zegarra N, Hemsworth PH, Verdon M, 'Floor feeding over multiple drops does not increase feeding opportunities for submissive sows', Proceedings of the 51st Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, 7-10 August 2017, Aarhus, Denmark, pp. 177. (2017) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2015 | Rault J-L, Ho H, Verdon M, Hemsworth P, 'Feeding behaviour, aggression and dominance in group-housed sows', Animal Production Science, 22-25 November, Melbourne, pp. 1495. ISSN 1836-0939 (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2015 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Hemsworth PH, 'Short and long-term repeatability of individual sow aggressiveness', Animal Production Science, 22-25 November, Melbourne, pp. 1512. ISSN 1836-0939 (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2015 | Verdon M, Morrison RS, Hemsworth PH, 'The effects of group lactation sow housing on aggression and injuries in weaner pigs', Proceedings of the 49th Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology: Ethology for sustainable society, 14-17 September, Sapporo, Japan, pp. 63. ISBN 978-90-8686-271-9 (2015) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2013 | Verdon M, Morrison R, Rice M, Hemsworth PH, 'Group-housed sows who engage in aggression after mixing have reduced injuries and gain more weight', Proceedings of the 47th Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology: Applied Ethology: understanding behaviour to improve livelihood, 02-06 June, Florianopolis, Brazil, pp. 68. ISBN 9789086867790 (2013) [Refereed Conference Paper] |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
11
Total funding
$8,715,994
Projects
A national framework for effective environmental enrichment for Australian livestock industries (2020)$10,000
- Description
- Synthetic review that will produce new knowledge and identify opportunities for practical and effective enrichment programs in Australian livestock industries.
- Funding
- University of New England ($10,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Verdon MJ
- Year
- 2020
Dairy High 2 (2020 - 2026)$3,277,567
- Description
- A multifaceted research approach is required to address the pressing challenges of high synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use, non-replacement dairy calves, and skill shortages of the Tasmanian dairy community. We propose to resolve these challenges by building on our prior projects and expertise, through the following three fields of work: Feedbase Research Achieve 20 tonnes of dry matter utilisation from irrigated pasture and 2000 kg milk solids per hectare with only 200 kg of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Welfare Research and Development Reduce the number of non-replacement dairy calves slaughtered at an early age by 50% by increasing carcass value and reducing rearing and finishing costs. Extension Enhancing and developing skills in the Tasmanian dairy community to support sustainable growth of pasture-based farming systems.
- Funding
- Dairy Australia Limited ($3,277,567)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Hills JL; Langworthy A; Raedts PJM; Gee CM; McLaren D; Verdon MJ; Snare TA; Millhouse BJ
- Period
- 2020 - 2026
Tasmanian Wool SmartFarm (2020)$50,000
- Description
- This project will investigate the benefits to production and sustainability in the adoption and application of advanced management technologies (AMTs), such as the AWI SmartTags, in several high performing wool producing properties in Tasmania. The objective of this project is to (1) create national and global visibility of the on-farm adoption of AMTs, and (2) demonstrate the use of AMTs in supporting practices associated with high quality, sustainable and socially acceptable wool and sheep production systems. This phase 1 project will support a potentially longer-term commitment between contributing parties and broader collaboration with a range of supply chain stakeholders
- Funding
- Australian Wool Innovation Limited ($50,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research and Development Open Call
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Horton BJ; Verdon MJ; Andrewartha SJ; Kang BH; Cao Z; Chinthammit W; Bailey AN
- Year
- 2020
Dairy HIGH - High Integrity Grass-fed Herds (2019 - 2021)$1,079,830
- Description
- This project focuses on sustainable and profitable growth in Tasmanias pasture based dairy industry. In this 16-month project proposal we will research and combine the accessible and emerging technologies and practices that are driving productivity and efficiency improvements, with the industrys desire to address consumer expectations with respect to environmental management (our environment), animal welfare (our cows) and our people.This will be achieved by focusing on 5 areas of work that relate to our environment, our cows and our people1.Nitrogen efficiency in highly productive systems (environment).2.Novel grazing practices in large grass-fed dairy systems (cows).3.Addressing and preparing for changing social values with respect to animal welfare (cows).4.Regional people and skills shortages (People).5.Building capacity in the Tasmanian dairy industry (People).The proposed integrated RD&E program is designed with 16 months of activities + a five year time horizon, at the request of the funder, Dairy Australia.
- Funding
- Dairy Australia Limited ($1,079,830)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research and Development
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Rawnsley RP; Hills JL; Raedts PJM; Irvine LD; Turner LR; Langworthy A; Jones S; Flight S; Gee CM; Verdon MJ; Snare RD
- Period
- 2019 - 2021
Enhancing the profitability and productivity of livestock farming through virtual herding technology (2017 - 2020)$3,780,000
- Description
- This project aims through the use of virtual fencing/herding technology to improve the productivity and profitability of livestock enterprises through optimising the management of individual grazing animals and better matching their requirements with feed availability.
- Funding
- Department of Agriculture ($2,600,000)
- Collaborators
- Australian Pork Limited ($20,000); Australian Wool Innovation Limited ($170,000); Dairy Australia Limited ($400,000); Meat and Livestock Australia ($200,000); University of Melbourne ($120,000); University of New England ($90,000); University of Sydney ($180,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Rural R&D for Profit program
- Administered By
- Dairy Australia Limited
- Research Team
- Tomkins N; Swan P; D'Souza D; Henry D; Rawnsley RP; Hills JL; Freeman MJ; Verdon MJ; Langworthy A
- Period
- 2017 - 2020
The feeding behaviour of sows and its relationship to sow welfare and reproduction. (2015)$18,821
- Funding
- Pork Co-operative Research Centre ($18,821)
- Scheme
- Industry innovation grant
- Administered By
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne
- Research Team
- Verdon M; Morrison R; Hemsworth P
- Year
- 2015
Welfare implications of group lactation at various ages (2015)$124,888
- Funding
- Pork Co-operative Research Centre ($124,888)
- Scheme
- Industry grant
- Administered By
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne
- Research Team
- Rault J; Verdon M; Morrison R
- Year
- 2015
Pre-weaning social exposure: effects on aggression and injuries of weaner pigs (2015)$22,000
- Funding
- Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries ($22,000)
- Scheme
- Science and Innovation Award
- Administered By
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne
- Research Team
- Verdon M
- Year
- 2015
Social strategies of sows in groups: the relationships between the social strategy adopted and sow behaviour, stress physiology and reproduction. (2015 - 2017)$114,000
- Funding
- Australian Pork Limited ($114,000)
- Scheme
- Study Award
- Administered By
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne
- Research Team
- Verdon M
- Period
- 2015 - 2017
Welfare implications of group lactation at various ages (2015)$124,888
- Funding
- Pork Co-operative Research Centre ($124,888)
- Scheme
- Industry grant
- Administered By
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne
- Research Team
- Rault J; Verdon M; Morrison R
- Year
- 2015
Social strategies of sows in groups: the relationships between the social strategy adopted and sow behaviour, stress physiology and reproduction. (2015 - 2017)$114,000
- Funding
- Australian Pork Limited ($114,000)
- Scheme
- Study Award
- Administered By
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne
- Research Team
- Verdon M
- Period
- 2015 - 2017
Research Supervision
Current
2
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Effect of Rearing Environment on Heifer Stress Resilience, Productivity and Welfare Around their 1st Calving | 2020 |
| PhD | Increasing utilisation of non-replacement dairy calves in Australia | 2021 |