Gabriela M. Fortuna

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My PhD is about genetics and breeding of Taurine-Indicine dairy cattle, specifically Girolando - a crossbred between Holstein (Taurine) and Gir (Indicine) breeds, largely used in Brazil.

Goals:

• Analyse genomic data from a population genetic perspective to quantify differences between the parent breeds and the genetic composition of crossbred animals. 
• Expand the population genetic analyses with quantitative genetic analyses of dairy performance under various Brazilian environments and management practices. 
• Build a digital twin (modelling / stochastic simulation) breeding programme of the Girolando population and evaluate various breeding strategies in collaboration with stakeholders. The aim will be to develop a strategy for continuous matching and improvement of adaptability and productivity in Brazilian environments.

I am a veterinary graduate in Brazil. Recently I finished an MSc degree in Animal Breeding in Genetics under the programme European Masters in Animal Breeding and Genetics (EMABG) and now I am pursuing a PhD at the HighlanderLab. My veterinarian background provided me with knowledge and experience in animal husbandry with a greater focus on dairy cattle. I believe animal breeding is key for promoting change in the livestock sector, driving it towards sustainability. By breeding more efficiently we can improve the usage of natural and genetic resources while contributing to reducing food insecurity.

For my MSc, I have been investigating the impact of accounting for a mitochondrial variation on the estimation of breeding values for dairy cattle.

I am specifically interested in:

Programming language and software:

• Outdoor activities
• Reading