Obituary for Professor Peter Kappel Theil

Peter was born on a farm but grew up in a village near Aalborg. He began his work at the former National Institute of Animal Science, first as a laboratory technician and later, following his education as MSc in biology at Aarhus Universitet, as a PhD student, where Peter focused on protein and energy conversion of pregnant and lactating sows, which were studied in respiratory chambers, i.a. by using new technical methods. This created the basis for his many studies and ground-breaking research in pigs and, particularly, the nutrient utilisation and lactation physiology of sows.

His scientific production is of great importance to the knowledge we have today of how sows should be fed to achieve good milk production and a good life for suckling pigs – knowledge which, due to his great communicative ability, Peter has succeeded in bringing all the way to the farmer. Aside from being professor of nutrition and lactation physiology at the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Peter was also honorary professor at Sichuan Agricultural University in China, and he was a well-known lecturer on the international scene.

In addition to being a dedicated and outstanding researcher, Peter was also a kind and well-liked colleague, and very open and optimistic as a person. Many, both Danish and international students, have benefited from Peter's ability to teach at all stages of their studies, even though it entailed night work, where Peter also pulled his weight when the sows had to farrow.

Our thoughts go to his wife and their three children, who have lost Peter much too soon.

In respect of Peter’s memory.  

On behalf of Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus Universitet

Head of Department Charlotte Lauridsen, Head of Section Jan Værum Nørgaard and Head of Section Knud Erik Bach Knudsen