Mewa Singh Dhanoa's contributions to IGER have been, and continue to be, both Statistical(/Mathematical) and Scientific. With the latter (Animal Science ;  NIR Spectroscopy) he has generated a large volume of contributions across the spectrum of methodologies and applications.

Mewa Singh’s statistical information analysis is not limited to mathematical processing. The unification of biological purpose and statistical framework is rarely achieved in this field but Mewa Singh has been delivering this form of added-value consultancy for years. He exploits his training in Physics and Chemistry and vast experience of statistics (classical and modern), Empirical, Stochastic, Deterministic modeling to the benefit of present work. For example research data in relation to time trends, dose levels and substrate input quantity furnish poor quality information when analysis is limited to comparison of means (as in ANOVA and regression). Proper modeling incorporating dynamic aspects generate better information to stimulate scientific thinking.

Since the mid-seventies, when computer power became available, he introduced and nurtured nonlinear modeling (Exponential functions, growth curves, Fourier, Gaussian, Curve-peeling and other constructs) of nonlinear responses in Forage Quality, Substarte Degradation (in vivo & in vitro) and Microbiology. He introduced Spectral and ARIMA Time Series modeling to IGER work. To maximize the impact of his time and know-how, he has been engaged in the training of scientists in quantitative methods and scientific software at all IGER sites and collaborating partners in UK and elsewhere. Mewa Singh provides most of the programming tools to implement fitting of these models. The wider research community in his field of specialities (e.g. Markers, Lactation, Nylon Bags etc) still call upon him for help and guidance.

His scientific work covers all of the IGER remit but his speciality is animal science. This includes well recognised work in Dairy research, Beef production, in vivo and in vitro forage quality, Microbiology, Intake, Ingestive behavior, Rumen function and Fermentation (Gas Production). He initiated work to improve modeling of Marker Kinetics which culminated in a Multicompartmental model used universally now. He teamed up with the local Biomathamaticians ( J. France & J.H.M. Thornley) and this work flourished. This work started a wave of interest and interaction all over the world. This team also devised models for study of rumen function (e.g. VFA production, rumen volume, digesta flow ).

NIRS:  One of Mewa Singh’s specialities is Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Chemometrics, Analytical and Spectral) which he incorporated into IGER research. To improve NIR methodology he devised methods to separate physical effects from chemical signal, thus making spectral based industrial and scientific applications more successful. Calibration models and discriminant analysis when based on chemical information are more specific and reliable. For example Industrial partners in the Link project use this information to devise Product conformity and Raw Materials origin. Pharmaceutical use this method to detect contamination of their products. He supervised and trained the resident NIR Spectroscopist to look after NIR applications. NIRS expertise at IGER, which he advanced and maintained, is playing an increasing role in Plant Breeding, Soil Science and Forage Quality research.

Key professional qualifications

B.Sc (Math, Physics, Chemistry) 1964
HNC(Maths, Stats, Comp) 1974
Graduate Diploma in Statistics 1976
Member Institute of Statisticians 1977
Chartered Statistician 1990
Chartered Member Royal Statistical Society
Member International Biometric Society
Member British Classification Society

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