Maitê de Almeida

• Program: MSc Candidate
• Supervisor: Dr. Diego Moya, Department of Large Animal Clinincal Sciences
• Home Community: São José dos Campos, Brazil

• DVM, São Paulo State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aracatuba campus

Maitê hails from São José dos Campos, Brazil. She graduated from São Paulo State University (Aracatuba-SP, Brazil) with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2022.

During her final year at university, she participated in an externship as an international student researcher at the University of Saskatchewan. After earning her degree, she worked as an independent veterinarian in Brazil while applying for postgraduate opportunities. 

Currently, she is advancing her career with obtaining a MSc degree at the University of Saskatchewan where her research focuses on the welfare and nutrition of bison. 

Research with focus on evaluating the effects of differing levels of starch content in the diet on feed intake, feeding behavior, and growth performance of finishing bison. One of the biggest issues in the livestock industry is optimizing animal nutrition while ensuring welfare and sustainability. Balancing efficient production, ethical treatment, and minimal environmental impact is crucial. Innovations like high-starch diets must be managed to prevent rumen acidosis and stress, which can affect animal health and product quality.