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Jesus Mauricio PiscoPosition/Title: Animal Nutrition MSc. Student email: jmaurici@uoguelph.ca Phone: Office: ANNU-015
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Background
I was born and raised in Peru, South America. Since my first year as Undergraduate, I have had interest on different species, from companion, farm, and exotic animals. I strongly believe that we, students of Animal Biosciences, have the ability to study different topics and species. Before finishing my career, I decided focus on captive wildlife nutrition. That is why, my background is mainly in that topic, having experience in different zoos and Wildlife Centers in Latin America (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Mexico).
Now, I am pursuing the Master's Degree at the University of Guelph doing a Dog Nutrition research, evaluating the impact of different protein levels of food in healthy dogs (Hounds). In addition, I evaluate the impact on the Energy Expenditure through the Indirect Calorimetry technique.
Advisor: PhD. Anna-Kate Shoveller
Research and work interests
Why do I study Animal Nutrition? - Because I strongly believe that Nutrition is one of the main topics to achieve animal welfare in any species. Also, the costs of nutrition is one of the most important in any animal. So, It must be optimized as possible and for that It must be studied constantly.
If my background was Wildlife Nutrition, why am I studying a MSc. in Companion Animal Nutrition? - There are more opportunities of Grad studies in this topic. To design diets for captive wildlife species, you must use domestic animals as model. In addition, the basis for Animal Nutrition is similar between species. Fortunately, I have had different opportunities to study and apply wildlife nutrition on campus while I am doing my research in Pet Nutrition.
What am I planning to do after my MSc.? - Pursue a PhD. is one of my immediate plans. I want to be Professor of Animal Nutrition, especially in Pet and Wildlife Nutrition. Also, I want to research interesting topics as taurine supplementation in small and big felids, influence of fiber levels on the Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), and calcium:phosphorus ratio in amphibians.
Education
BSc. Animal Biosciences, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Peru (2010-2016).
Diploma. Captive Wildlife Nutrition, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mexico (2019).
Specialization course. Pet Nutrition. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Peru (2021).
Current job
Wildlife Nutritionist - "Amazon Shelter" Wildlife Rescue and Rehabitliation Center (2020-Present)
Achieves and awards
AAZK Grant - 46th Annual American Association of Zoo Keepers. Oral presentation: ""Food Preference and Nutrient Composition in Captive Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri boliviensis)".
Wildlife Nutrition Congress (Cali Zoo, Colombia) - Oral presentation: "Nutritional description of the San Martin Titi Monkey (Plecturocebus oenanthe) diet at the Huachipa Zoo Park (Peru)".