Dr Juliana Garcia Alvarez

Research Interests

My research focuses on animal behaviour and welfare, particularly understanding how farm animals respond and adapt to environmental, social and management challenges. I am interested in integrating behavioural, physiological and health indicators to assess both positive and negative welfare and to understand individual variation in animals’ responses to stressful or challenging events. A particular focus of my research is the development and evaluation of practical, evidence based approaches to improve the welfare and resilience of animals within commercial livestock systems. My work has primarily involved cattle and includes research on early life management, human animal interactions, behavioural and physiological responses to stress, and the use of appeasing pheromones as potential welfare interventions. I also have a strong interest in quantitative approaches to animal behaviour and welfare research and the application of robust statistical methods to longitudinal animal data.

Scientific Inspiration

My scientific inspirations include Nina von Keyserlingk and Temple Grandin. I particularly admire Nina von Keyserlingk’s work in farm animal welfare and her use of behavioural science to understand animals’ needs, preferences and experiences. Temple Grandin has also been highly influential in demonstrating how an understanding of animal behaviour can be translated into practical changes in livestock management and handling. Their work reflects an approach I value in my own research: combining rigorous animal welfare science with practical solutions that can make a meaningful difference to animals within commercial farming systems.