Lecturer in Sustainable Livestock Production at the University of Leeds working closely with the CIEL supported National Pig CentreI am broadly interested in studying sustainable ways of improving animal health, efficiency and productivity whilst reducing feed waste, minimising land use and decreasing environmental pollution. More specifically, I am interested in the way in which the gut microbiota interact with the host animal in health and disease and in turn, how the microbiota are controlled and selected for by the host. I am particularly interested in early-life manipulation of the gut microbiota - how can we manage the pre-weaned piglet to promote development and maturation of the gut microbiota, digestive tract and immune system, to produce robust and healthy animals able to better withstand the challenges of weaning as we move into post-zinc oxide production?