Research Assistant - External Research Services
Phone (306) 667-4739

E-mail: click here

Megan was born and raised in Battleford, SK. After completing her high school education at the North Battleford Comprehensive High School, Megan enrolled in the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. Between her third and fourth year, Megan worked for the Quadra Group in Cando and Strasbourg SK, where she fell in love with working with pigs. After completing her degree, Megan was invited by Harold Gonyou to work as a summer student for the Ethology Group at the Prairie Swine Centre. After finishing her time as a summer student, Megan decided to continue her education by attaining her Masters degree in Applied Ethology under the supervision of Harold Gonyou. Megan’s thesis topic was “Social Factors that Affect the Behaviour and Productivity of Gestating Sows in an Electronic Sow Feeding System”. While completing her Masters, Megan began working part-time for Murray Pettitt in the External Research Division. Upon completing her Masters, has happily continued working as Murray’s research assistant.

Education

• BSA, University of Saskatchewan, 2003
• M. Sc, University of Saskatchewan, 2006

Current Research Program

• Conducting confidential research for local and international clients throughout the livestock industry.

Committees/Professional Association Memberships

• Graduate student membership, American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), 2005

Selected Publications

• Strawford, M. L. 2006. Social factors that affect the behaviour and productivity of gestating sows in an Electronic Sow Feeding System. M. Sc. Thesis. University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK.
• Strawford, M. L., Li, Y. Z. and Gonyou, H. W. 2005. Social factors affecting injuries, eating order, and lying patterns of sows in electronic sow feeders. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (Suppl 2): 37 (Abstr).
• Strawford, M. L., Li, Y. Z. and Gonyou, H. W. 2005. Social factors affecting injuries and behaviour of sows in electronic sow feeders. Proc. Banff Pork Seminar. Advances in Pork Production. Vol. 16. Abstract #21. January 18-21, 2005. Banff, AB.
• Strawford, M. L., Li, Y. Z. and Gonyou, H. W. 2004. Social factors affecting injury levels and behaviour of sows in a ESF system. Prairie Swine Centre Inc. Annual Research Report. Pp. 15.