The Department of Animal Biosciences is pleased to welcome Prof. Marcio Duarte as a new assistant professor in meat science and muscle biology. He begins in the role in January 2021.

“We are very happy to welcome Marcio to the department,” shares Prof. Jim Squares, department chair. “His experience in the molecular and cellular aspects of meat production, combined with his understanding of practical applications for industry, are a perfect fit for our department.”

Duarte comes to the University of Guelph from Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Brazil where he was an assistant professor in the animal science department. His area of research focuses on maternal nutrition and its impact on fetal programming in meat animals. His aim is to better understand the gestational period to improve production efficiency and quality of meat in offspring animals.

He will work with researchers across the University of Guelph to examine the relationships of genetics, nutrition, management, animal health and welfare, and other factors in meat product quality. His research team will also utilize the University’s recently remodeled Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulated abattoir/processing facility, sensory evaluation facilities, and the Elora Beef Research Centre.

Duarte is a three-time grad of Universidade Federal de Viçosa. He has published 65 peer-review papers within the meat science/muscle biology and/or livestock production fields.