Vitor Mercadante

• 2015 – University of Florida, Department of Animal Sciences, Best Ph.D.             Dissertation Award
• 2013 – International Stockmen's Educational Foundation Fellowship
• 2012 – University of Florida, Department of Animal Sciences. Best M.S.             Thesis Award
• 2009 – São Paulo State University XVII Class of Veterinary Medicine,             Honorable Commencement Speaker

My research program focuses on bovine reproductive physiology, reproductive bio-technologies, embryonic and fetal development, and beef cattle management. Research interests include:

• Factors affecting fertility of estrus synchronization protocols
• Strategies to improve early embryonic development
• Development of applied reproductive technologies
• Supplementation strategies to improve fertility of beef females
•  Heifer development strategies to maximize fertility

The goal of my extension program is to improve reproductive efficiency of beef cattle production systems. My research and extension program focus on generating research based knowledge to improve current technologies, as well as develop new technologies and strategies that can be readily adopted by cattlemen. We focus on creating educational activities to engage youth, train cattlemen and inform the general public on best practices of beef production by disseminating the findings of our research program. 

APSC/DASC 4304 - Bovine Reproduction Practices.

This course is designed as a hands on class that exposes students to principles and techniques in bovine reproductive physiology including frozen semen handling, artificial insemination, transrectal ultrasonography, estrus synchronization, and superovulation. At the end of the class students have the option to attend an artificial insemination course provided by Select Sires Inc. and become a certified A.I. Technician.

APSC 5404 - Reproductive Technology in Cattle.

This 100% online course is part of the Online Master in Agriculture and Life Sciences (OMALS) program. APSC 5404 is designed to help students become familiar with reproductive technologies in both beef and dairy cattle. Formulated in 7 modules, students are exposed to current concepts of reproductive anatomy and physiology, and with each module reproductive technologies and reproductive management in cattle are discussed in detail. At the completion of this course students are able to identify strategies to improve reproductive efficiency in both beef and dairy production systems.

Recent Refereed Publications

-         Mercadante, V.R.G., P.L.P. Fontes, F.M. Ciriaco, D.D. Henry, P. Moriel, A.D. Ealy, S.E. Johnson, N. DiLorenzo, and G.C. Lamb. 2016. Effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin administration at breeding on cow, conceptus and subsequent offspring performance of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 94:5:2128-2138.

-         Lamb, G.C., V.R.G. Mercadante, D.D. Henry, P.L.P. Fontes, C.R. Dahlen, J.E. Larson, and N. DiLorenzo. 2016. Advantages of current and future reproductive technologies for beef cattle production. Prof. Anim. Sci. PAS-15-01455.

-         Mercadante, V.R.G., L.E. Kozicki, F.M. Ciriaco, D.D. Henry, C.R. Dahlen, M.R. Crosswhite, J.E. Larson, B.E. Voelz, D.J. Patterson, G.A. Perry, R.N. Funston, T.L. Steckler, S.L. Hill, J.S. Stevenson and G.C. Lamb. 2015. Effects of administration of prostaglandin F_2α at initiation of the seven-day CO-Synch+controlled internal drug release ovulation synchronization protocol for suckled beef cows and replacement beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 93:11:5204-5213.

-         Mercadante, V.R.G., K.M. Waters, G.H.L. Marquezini, D.D. Henry, F.M. Ciriaco, J.D. Arthington, N. DiLorenzo, and G.C. Lamb. 2015. Effects of anti-phospholipase A2 antibody supplementation on dry matter intake feed efficiency, acute phase response and blood differentials of steers fed forage and grain-based diets. J. Anim. Sci. 93:2:776-785.

-         Mercadante, V.R.G., K.M. Waters, G.H.L. Marquezini, D.D. Henry, F.M. Ciriaco, J.D. Arthington, N. DiLorenzo, and G.C. Lamb. 2015. Inclusion of anti-phospholipase A2 antibody to backgrounding diets on performance, feed efficiency, in vitro fermentation, and the acute phase response of growing beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 93:1:414-424.

Book Chapters

-         Mercadante, V.R.G., and G.C. Lamb. 2016. Synchronization and AI Strategies in Beef Cattle. In: Robert L. Larson, editor, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. Bovine Theriogenology. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. Pages 335-348.

-            Mercadante, V.R.G., and G.C. Lamb. 2015. Selection and management of the embryo transfer recipient herd for embryo transfer. In: Richard M. Hopper, editor, Bovine reproduction. Willey Blacwell, Oxford, UK. Pages 723-732.