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Professor Alan Tilbrook
Professor

Alan Tilbrook

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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

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

211 works between 1986 and 2025

161 - 180 of 211 works

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

The influence of sex and gonadectomy on the hypothalamo-pituitary- adrenal axis of the sheep

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

Sustained but not repeated acute elevation of cortisol impaired the luteinizing hormone surge, estrus, and ovulation in gilts

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

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

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

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

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.

Application of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy to Northwest Hutton field, northern North Sea: Implications for management of a mature Brent Group field

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

Repeated acute activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis prior to and during estrus did not affect reproductive performance in gilts

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

Angiotensin II- and phorbol ester-induced steroidogenesis by ovine adrenocortical cells: Effect of sex and the gonadal status of the donor animal

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

The effect of repeated boar exposure on cortisol secretion and reproduction in gilts

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

Ractopamine increases glucose turnover without affecting lipogenesis in the pig

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.

Negative feedback regulation of FSH secretion by inhibin in pre-pubertal rams

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

Follistatin concentrations in male sheep increase following sham castration/castration or injection of interleukin-1 beta

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

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

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

The testis is not the major source of circulating follistatin in the ram

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.

Introduction of gilts to boars elevated plasma cortisol but did not affect 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.

Dietary ractopamine increases glucose turnover but not in vivo adipose tissue lipogenesis in the pig

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.

Role of inhibin and related proteins in male reproduction

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

Human recombinant follistatin-288 suppresses plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone but is not a significant regulator of luteinizing hormone in castrated rams

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.

Negative Feedback-Regulation of the Secretion and Actions of Gnrh in Male Ruminants

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

Lupin and cowpea supplements for growth, wool production, and reproduction in rams

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.

The Control of Fsh - Experiments Using Human Recombinant Inhibin

Funding

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Supply chain best practice to improve the health and welfare of free-range buffalo harvest in Arnhem Land - Northern Territory.
    CRC for Developing Northern Australia
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Goat Industry - Sustainability Credentials Project
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2026
    Animal Welfare Standards Project
    The University of Queensland in America, Inc
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    Best practice carbon dioxide stunning for pigs
    Sunpork Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Animal Welfare Standards Project Phase RCC: Sustainable, regional advancement in animal welfare in East Asia.
    The University of Queensland in America, Inc
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Brain measures of positive welfare in pigs
    Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Eliminating pig tail removal to improve welfare and industry sustainability (CRC-P administered by Sunpork)
    Sunpork Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    Development of practical measures of animal welfare
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Early stress experiences and stress resilience and emotionality in pigs (ARC Linkage Project administered by The University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Sheep shearing and epigenetic change
    Australian Wool Innovation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Increased pasture intake and reduced supplement requirements of sheep/cattle
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant

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

Media

Enquiries

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