Research area
My research program focuses on improving the biological efficiency, economic sustainability, and long-term resilience of ruminant production systems through an integrative approach combining animal physiology, nutrition, chronobiology, precision livestock farming, and adaptive grazing management. Across dairy cattle, beef cattle, dairy sheep, meat sheep, and goats, feed costs constitute approximately 60–70% of total production costs, making feed efficiency the dominant economic constraint at the farm, sectoral, and national levels. A unifying theme of this work is the recognition that efficiency is not a fixed herd-level attribute, but rather an individual biological trait characterized by substantial and repeatable variability. By identifying, quantifying, and mechanistically explaining this variability, my research provides a scientific foundation for transitioning ruminant
production from herd-average management toward precision, individual-based optimization. This paradigm shift has direct implications for profitability, resource use efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
production from herd-average management toward precision, individual-based optimization. This paradigm shift has direct implications for profitability, resource use efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Animals
Dr. Aviv Asher is a researcher specializing in animal science and sustainable livestock systems. His work focuses on improving production efficiency, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability across dairy and beef cattle systems, as well as small ruminants. By integrating advanced nutrition strategies, precision agriculture, and digital technologies, Dr. Asher develops practical, data-driven solutions that support resilient and efficient animal production in changing agricultural and environmental conditions.
Complete CV PDF397.53 KB
Education and Additional Training:
- 2017 – 2018: Postdoctoral Research. Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO and University of Haifa. Title of Postdoctoral Research: The influence of artificial light at night on individual feed intake, growth, health and welfare of prepubertal Holstein calves. Supervision by: Dr. Ariel Shabtay, Beef Cattle section, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO and Prof. Abraham Haim , Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa
- 2011 – 2016: Ph.D. in Animal Sciences at the University of Haifa, Faculty of Natural Sciences. Title of thesis: Identification of individual efficiency characters in Holstein cows and bulls and the effect of photoperiod on production efficiency. Supervision by: Prof. Abraham Haim, Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa and Dr. Arieh Brosh, Beef Cattle section, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO
- 2006 – 2010: M.Sc. in Animal Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture. Title of thesis: The influence of period in lactation on the energy expenditure and the efficiency characters in Holstein cows. Supervision by: Dr Arieh Brosh, Beef Cattle section, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, ARO. Supervision by: Prof. Arieli Amichai, Department of Animal Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- 2002 – 2006: B.Sc. in Animal Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Robert H.Smith Faculty of Agriculture.
Positions Held and Academic Status:
2023 - present: member of the limited management at MIGAL-Northern R&D
2019 - to date: Senior Lecturer at MIGAL-Northern R&D (Rank B)
2019 - to date: Teaching the course "Beef cattle husbandry in natural and intensive systems" at Tel-Hai University, Dept of Animal Sciences
2016 - 2019: Researcher (Animal science) MIGAL and Northern R&D
2016 Researcher at MIGAL research institute (Grade C)
2015 - to date: Teaching the course "Beef cattle management" at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, at the Hebrew University
2014-2022: Teaching the course "Vertebrate Zoology" at the Biology Department at the University of Haifa.
Current projects
- Improving small ruminant production efficiency through the integration of high-fiber forages into finishing diets.
- Is an efficient heifer an efficient cow? Identifying individual feed efficiency at different stages of the dairy cow lifecycle to support genetic selection for improved productivity.
- Artificial intelligence–based monitoring of grazing systems using remote sensing and advanced digital technologies.
- Development of innovative dual-purpose quinoa applications for human consumption and animal feed, supporting the establishment of a new, high-quality agricultural sector.
- Optimization of soil-conserving grazing systems that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
- Precision livestock farming based on grazing behavior of beef cattle at pasture
- Development of a practical data management system with embedded sensors for improved environmental management and transparency of dairy
farming