
Overview
Background
Professor Alan Tilbrook is nationally and internationally recognised for leading scientific research in animal science and biomedical science (endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, behaviour, stress, and reproduction). He is a global leader in animal welfare science. Professor Tilbrook has an outstanding balanced portfolio in leadership, strategic planning, research, academia, education and government. He is Professor of Animal Welfare in the School of Veterinary Science and has an affiliate appointment in the Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at The University of Queensland. Professor Tilbrook is one of three expert members of a Strategy Advisory Group to provide expert strategic advice to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to assist the development of the renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. He is Chair and Research Champion of the National Primary Industries Animal Welfare Research, Development and Extension Strategy, represents Universities Australia on the Board of the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching, represents The University of Queensland on the World Organisation for Animal Health and is a member of the Australian Government’s Live Export Animal Welfare Advisory Group. Professor Tilbrook established The Animal Welfare Collaborative, a university-facilitated network of individuals, companies, and organisations working together to make evidence-based improvements in animal welfare. This was a collaborative venture with The University of Newcastle, The University of Western Australia and The University of Adelaide. He was a founder, Deputy Director and Co-Director of the Animal Welfare Science Centre, was the Research Chief of Livestock and Farming Systems at the South Australian Research and Development Institute and was Deputy Head of the Department of Physiology at Monash University. He has held numerous national and local leadership roles. Professor Tilbrook's research is conceptually driven with a multidisciplinary and integrative approach. He has developed cutting edge research programs across a range of species including sheep, pigs, poultry, cattle, goats, rodents, horses, buffalo and humans. Professor Tilbrook places a huge emphasis on collaboration, training and professional development.
Availability
- Professor Alan Tilbrook is:
- Not available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Western Australia
Research interests
-
Identification of Biomarkers to Assess Animal Welfare
We are seeking to identify biological markers (biomarkers) of animal experiences. The brain processes the experiences of animals. These experiences determine the state of welfare of an animal at any given time. We aim to take peripheral measures of biomarkers that are indicative of brain processing of experiences.
-
Importance of human and maternal contact on stress resilience in pigs
We are investigating the impact of human and maternal contact in early life on stress resilience in pigs later in life. The research considers the importance of this early human and maternal contact in affecting welfare, growth and meat quality of pigs.
-
Elimination of the need for tail removal in pigs
This large-scale research investigates the reasons for tail biting in pigs with the view to developing strategies to eliminate tail biting without the need to remove tails from piglets. The research has both experimental and epidemiological components.
-
Interpreting the welfare of animals exported live by ship
This is project is called “Interpreting Animal Welfare", and is collaborative research led by The University of Western Australia. The project seeks to create an integrated framework capable of assessing, interpreting and aggregating intricate animal welfare data collected during export voyages to give an overall evaluation of animal welfare status.
-
Effects of floor space on the welfare of pigs
It is known that restricting space in breeding female pigs can lead to aggression, injuries and sustained physiological stress. Sustained stress in pigs can compromise the health, efficiency of growth and meat quality. The effects of space allowance on the welfare, growth and productivity of finisher pigs have not been well researched. The focus of this research is to determine the effects of different amounts of floor space on the welfare, growth and production parameters of finisher pigs.
-
Health and welfare of free-range buffalo in the northern Australia
This project is focussed on understanding and improving the health and welfare of harvested buffalo throughout the supply chain. The research is on free-range buffalo from Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. The work is highly collaborative, multidisciplinary and multi-faceted.
Research impacts
Our research on biomarkers of animal welfare is world leading and novel. We have identified biological markers of brain function in animals which will inform how the brain processes experiences and thereby animal welfare. While this research is emerging and is still in the discovery phase, the objective is for the non-invasive measurement of these biomarkers to be applied in the livestock industries.
We have demonstrated the impact of human and maternal contact in early life on stress resilience in pigs later in life, affecting welfare, growth and meat quality. This presents the opportunity to develop strategies to maximise positive human contact and improve maternal contact in the pork industry.
We also pioneered research to measure steroids in the wool of sheep that has resulted in publications and on-farm assessment of stress, wool quality and epigenetic influences on parameters of stress and reproduction in sheep.
Works
Search Professor Alan Tilbrook’s works on UQ eSpace
1999
Journal Article
The influence of sex and gonadectomy on the hypothalamo-pituitary- adrenal axis of the sheep
Canny, BJ, O'Farrell, KA, Clarke, IJ and Tilbrook, AJ (1999). The influence of sex and gonadectomy on the hypothalamo-pituitary- adrenal axis of the sheep. Journal of Endocrinology, 162 (2), 215-225. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1620215
1999
Journal Article
Sustained but not repeated acute elevation of cortisol impaired the luteinizing hormone surge, estrus, and ovulation in gilts
Turner, AI, Hemsworth, PH, Canny, BJ and Tilbrook, AJ (1999). Sustained but not repeated acute elevation of cortisol impaired the luteinizing hormone surge, estrus, and ovulation in gilts. Biology of Reproduction, 61 (3), 614-620. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod61.3.614
1999
Conference Publication
Changes in the suppressive effects of recombinant inhibin A on FSH secretion in ram lambs during sexual maturation: Evidence for alterations in the clearance rate of inhibin
Tilbrook, AJ, de Kretser, DM and Clarke, IJ (1999). Changes in the suppressive effects of recombinant inhibin A on FSH secretion in ram lambs during sexual maturation: Evidence for alterations in the clearance rate of inhibin. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1610219
1999
Journal Article
Central administration of corticotrophin releasing hormone but not arginine vasopressin stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone in rams in the presence and absence of testosterone
Tilbrook, AJ, Canny, BJ, Stewart, BJ, Serapiglia, MD and Clarke, IJ (1999). Central administration of corticotrophin releasing hormone but not arginine vasopressin stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone in rams in the presence and absence of testosterone. Journal of Endocrinology, 162 (2), 301-311. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1620301
1998
Journal Article
Application of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy to Northwest Hutton field, northern North Sea: Implications for management of a mature Brent Group field
Flint, S., Knight, S. and Tilbrook, A. (1998). Application of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy to Northwest Hutton field, northern North Sea: Implications for management of a mature Brent Group field. AAPG Bulletin, 82 (7), 1416-1436.
1998
Journal Article
Repeated acute activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis prior to and during estrus did not affect reproductive performance in gilts
Turner, AI, Hemsworth, PH, Hughes, PE and Tilbrook, AJ (1998). Repeated acute activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis prior to and during estrus did not affect reproductive performance in gilts. Biology of Reproduction, 58 (6), 1458-1462. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod58.6.1458
1998
Journal Article
Angiotensin II- and phorbol ester-induced steroidogenesis by ovine adrenocortical cells: Effect of sex and the gonadal status of the donor animal
Canny, BJ, O'Farrell, KA, Clarke, IJ and Tilbrook, AJ (1998). Angiotensin II- and phorbol ester-induced steroidogenesis by ovine adrenocortical cells: Effect of sex and the gonadal status of the donor animal. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 25 (6), 401-404. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.1998.tb02222.x
1998
Journal Article
The effect of repeated boar exposure on cortisol secretion and reproduction in gilts
Turner, AI, Hemsworth, PH, Hughes, PE, Canny, BJ and Tilbrook, AJ (1998). The effect of repeated boar exposure on cortisol secretion and reproduction in gilts. Animal Reproduction Science, 51 (2), 143-154. doi: 10.1016/S0378-4320(98)00057-8
1998
Journal Article
Ractopamine increases glucose turnover without affecting lipogenesis in the pig
Dunshea, FR, Leury, BJ, Tilbrook, AJ and King, RH (1998). Ractopamine increases glucose turnover without affecting lipogenesis in the pig. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 49 (7), 1147-1152. doi: 10.1071/A98001
1997
Conference Publication
Negative feedback regulation of FSH secretion by inhibin in pre-pubertal rams
Tilbrook, AJ, deKretser, DM and Clarke, IJ (1997). Negative feedback regulation of FSH secretion by inhibin in pre-pubertal rams. MADISON: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
1996
Journal Article
Follistatin concentrations in male sheep increase following sham castration/castration or injection of interleukin-1 beta
Phillips, DJ, Hedger, MP, McFarlane, JR, Klein, R, Clarke, IJ, Tilbrook, AJ, Nash, AD and deKretser, DM (1996). Follistatin concentrations in male sheep increase following sham castration/castration or injection of interleukin-1 beta. Journal of Endocrinology, 151 (1), 119-124. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1510119
1996
Journal Article
The sexual motivation of boars housed adjacent to ovariectomised gilts did not affect the efficiency of detecting hormonally induced oestrus using the back pressure test
Turner, AI, Hemsworth, PH and Tilbrook, AJ (1996). The sexual motivation of boars housed adjacent to ovariectomised gilts did not affect the efficiency of detecting hormonally induced oestrus using the back pressure test. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 49 (4), 343-351. doi: 10.1016/0168-1591(96)01063-5
1996
Journal Article
The testis is not the major source of circulating follistatin in the ram
Tilbrook, AJ, deKretser, DM, Dunshea, FR, Klein, R, Robertson, DM, Clarke, IJ and Maddocks, S (1996). The testis is not the major source of circulating follistatin in the ram. Journal of Endocrinology, 149 (1), 55-63. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1490055
1996
Conference Publication
Introduction of gilts to boars elevated plasma cortisol but did not affect reproduction.
Turner, AI, Hemsworth, PH, Hughes, PE and Tilbrook, AJ (1996). Introduction of gilts to boars elevated plasma cortisol but did not affect reproduction.. MADISON: SOC STUDY REPRODUCTION.
1996
Conference Publication
Dietary ractopamine increases glucose turnover but not in vivo adipose tissue lipogenesis in the pig
Dunshea, FR, Tilbrook, AJ, Leury, BJ and King, RH (1996). Dietary ractopamine increases glucose turnover but not in vivo adipose tissue lipogenesis in the pig. 20th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition-Society-of-Australia, Sydney Australia, Sep-Oct -, 1996. BENTLEY: NUTRITION SOC AUSTRALIA.
1995
Conference Publication
Role of inhibin and related proteins in male reproduction
Robertson, D. M., Tilbrook, A., Clarke, I. and deKretser, D. M. (1995). Role of inhibin and related proteins in male reproduction. VIIIth World Congress on Human Reproduction/IVth World Conference on Fallopian Tube in Health and Disease - Advances in Human Reproduction, Bali, Indonesia, 4-9 April 1993. Carnforth, United Kingdom: Parthenon Publishing.
1995
Journal Article
Human recombinant follistatin-288 suppresses plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone but is not a significant regulator of luteinizing hormone in castrated rams
Tilbrook, AJ, Clarke, IJ and Dekretser, DM (1995). Human recombinant follistatin-288 suppresses plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone but is not a significant regulator of luteinizing hormone in castrated rams. Biology of Reproduction, 53 (6), 1353-1358. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod53.6.1353
1995
Journal Article
Negative Feedback-Regulation of the Secretion and Actions of Gnrh in Male Ruminants
Tilbrook, AJ and Clarke, IJ (1995). Negative Feedback-Regulation of the Secretion and Actions of Gnrh in Male Ruminants. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 49, 297-306.
1995
Journal Article
Lupin and cowpea supplements for growth, wool production, and reproduction in rams
Pomares, CC, Galloway, DB, Holmes, Jhg, Clarke, IJ and Tilbrook, AJ (1995). Lupin and cowpea supplements for growth, wool production, and reproduction in rams. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 35 (4), 447-452. doi: 10.1071/EA9950447
1994
Conference Publication
The Control of Fsh - Experiments Using Human Recombinant Inhibin
Dekretser, DM, Tilbrook, AJ and Clarke, IJ (1994). The Control of Fsh - Experiments Using Human Recombinant Inhibin. International Symposium on Inhibin and Inhibin-Related Proteins, Siena Italy, Jun 17-18, 1993. ROME: ARES-SERONO SYMPOSIA PUBLICATIONS.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Alan Tilbrook is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Effect of Analgesia and Haemostasis on Beef Calves during dehorning in Northern Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kieren McCosker
-
Doctor Philosophy
PhD Analgesia and Haemostasis to achieve high standards of beef calf welfare in northern Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kieren McCosker
-
Doctor Philosophy
Early life experiences and stress resilience in pigs
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Early life stress and subsequent stress resilience and emotionality in pigs
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Maternal-foetal programming of stress resilience in Merino sheep
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nick Hudson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Eliminating pig tail removal to improve welfare and industry sustainability
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Marta Navarro, Dr Arun Kumar, Professor Eugeni Roura
Completed supervision
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Dietary amino acid excesses and appetition in weaned pigs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Professor Alan Tilbrook's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: