About

Alice Brandao is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. She is a member of Texas A&M AgriLife, which includes the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab, and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Her office is located in Kleberg 218F, and she can be contacted via email and phone. The page does not provide specific details about her research focus, background, or key contributions.

Research topics

• Animal science
• Biology
• Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Food science
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Psychology
• Ecology
• Andrology
• Internal medicine

Selected publications

• Experiential learning improves college student perceived understanding and strengthens their perceptions of the beef industry

  Translational Animal Science · 2025-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Animal science is an applied discipline and post-secondary curriculum must prepare students for matriculation into a dynamic and complex industry. As the backgrounds of students pursuing animal science degrees are shifting, there may be a disconnect between how they perceive food animal production versus industry realities and traditional lecture courses may fail to adequately address these gaps. Experiential learning, which is a high-impact pedagogical approach, immerses students in real world settings, allowing them to view and experience practical applications of technical and complex concepts. Within the context of beef production, such opportunities may be valuable to illustrate the multifaceted interactions of sustainability, welfare, technology, and economic factors underlying beef production. The objective of this study was to assess changes in perceived understanding and perceptions of beef cattle production resulting from experiential learning during a beef industry tour. College students (n = 26) attended a 5-day beef industry field trip in the Texas Panhandle in May 2024, including tours of cow-calf operations, feedlots, a packing plant, and allied industries. Identical pre- and post-surveys were administered immediately before and after the trip. Data were analyzed via paired sample t-tests using SPSS v.26. After participating in the trip, students reported that the concept of sustainability was easier to understand (P = 0.02). Students also perceived greater understanding of the environmental impacts of beef production (P ≤ 0.01), economic factors affecting beef production (P ≤ 0.01), and the role of technology in beef production (P ≤ 0.01). When asked if environmental impacts of beef production were a major concern, students agreed less strongly (P = 0.04) after the tour. After the tour, students’ strength of agreement increased when asked if beef production positively contributes to the rural economy (P ≤ 0.01), if technology improves animal welfare (P = 0.03), and if the beef industry is modern and innovative (P ≤ 0.01). Measures of sense of belonging within agriculture did not change as a result of the field trip (P ≥ 0.86). These data indicate that experiential learning enhances perceived understanding and influences perceptions of beef production in college students studying agricultural sciences.

  PublisherDOI

• 368 Demographic insights and virtual engagement in extension programming: Evidence from the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.

  Journal of Animal Science · 2025-10-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course (BCSC) is an extension program, which aims to educate producers and industry professionals about various subjects relevant to beef cattle production. With an attendance of approximately 2,000 beef cattle ranchers and other stakeholders, this event provides a valuable sample of the population involved in beef cattle production. The objective of the present study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of demographic trends, attendance patterns, and perceived economic benefits by attendees of the program in the last four years (2021-2024). Attendance registration records and post-event voluntary survey responses of four consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024) were analyzed to examine the impact of age, gender, and virtual versus in-person participation. Surveys were administered online via Qualtrics™, after the conclusion of the event and a total of 1,388 responses received from BCSC participants were anonymized and analyzed. The variables of interest among the responses included demographic and ethnic information, attendance in-person vs. online, as well as perceived adoption rates of recommended management practices. Results indicate that in-person attendance remained significantly higher than virtual participation (P < 0.05), with older (75 years of age or more) and female attendees more likely to engage in online sessions compared to other demographic groups. Perceived adoption rates of management practices remained above 90% across all years. Popular sessions, such as Forage Management I and Reproductive Management, consistently attracted high attendance. These findings suggest that evolving participation preferences, economic trends, and digital learning opportunities must be considered in program design for extension initiative. It can also be inferred that providing an online option for extension programs may help increase the participation of specific demographic groups, in the case of this study, specifically women and older individuals that may not be able to easily navigate through large conference facilities. The results also support that leveraging virtual options while maintaining in-person engagement is a valid tool to maximize the reach and impact of extension programming, especially in large scale events such as the BCSC.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Teamwork in Higher Education: Benefits and Barriers

  Proceedings. · 2024-06-10

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Design thinking for engaged learning in animal science: lessons from five semesters of a senior capstone course

  Translational Animal Science · 2024-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract This study presents a design-based research approach involving five iterations (semester) of implementing design thinking for engaged learning (DTEL) in an animal science capstone course. DTEL scaffolds design thinking into 10 stages for collaborative project-based learning to foster skills like problem solving and teamwork. Across five semesters (spring 2021 to spring 2023), student reflections (n = 276) were analyzed to identify aspects that worked well or were challenging. Network analysis visualized relationships (P < 0.05; Q > 0.4) between codes representing strengths, struggles, and alignment with principles from learning theories. Utilizing the relationships between strengths and theory-based principles to address struggles, resulted in changes to the design of the capstone course each iteration (time that the course was taught). The complexity of maps increased over iterations. Initially, struggles were prominent but decreased as responsive design refinements were made. Alignment of student experiences with principles from learning theories grew substantially from the first iteration to the last (theory-related nodes representing 11.4% vs. 24.4% in each network map, respectively), with learning theories also occupying more central positions in the last map (iteration five) compared to earlier ones (iterations one through four). These changes suggest student experiences increasingly aligned with principles of cognitive constructivism, social constructivism, constructionism, situated learning, and transformative learning. Design principles derived from the five-iteration study include: (1) allocating most time to hands-on lab work vs. lecture, (2) designating a coordinator faculty, (3) scaffolding for instructors unfamiliar with DTEL, (4) emphasizing consistency in processes over grades, and (5) intentionally developing teamwork skills. The study demonstrates the value of design-based research for iteratively refining and studying learning experiences to foster critical skills for undergraduate students in animal science.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 414 Design thinking for engaged learning (DTEL) in animal science: Data-driven considerations to improve student and instructor experiences

  Journal of Animal Science · 2024-09-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract Design thinking for engaged learning (DTEL) is a framework developed to structure learning experiences based on collaborative project-based instruction and to engage students in creative problem solving. Despite being successful in providing meaningful learning experiences, the logistics of DTEL implementation can be difficult, especially in large courses (100+ students). Research is warranted to elucidate and facilitate DTEL utilization in different disciplines. Based on this, the present study utilized a design-based research approach involving 5 semesters of implementing DTEL in an animal science capstone course. Briefly, the main learning objectives of the course were for students to develop skills in collaborative work, independent research, communication (written and oral) and, especially, to be able to demonstrate transferrable knowledge from their previous coursework. Across 5 semesters (spring 2021 to spring 2023), student reflections assignments (n = 276) were coded and analyzed qualitatively to identify aspects that worked well or that students struggled with. Network analysis was utilized to visualize relationships (P < 0.05; Q > 0.4) between codes representing strengths, struggles, and alignment with principles from learning theories. Utilizing the relationships between strengths and theory-based principles to address struggles, resulted in changes to the design of the capstone course each semester, consecutively. Alignment of student experiences with principles from learning theories grew from the first semester to the last (theory-related nodes representing 11.4% vs. 24.4% in each network map, respectively), with learning theories also occupying more central positions in the map resulting from the last semester analysis (spring 2023) compared with earlier ones (spring 2021 through fall 2022). These changes suggest student experiences increasingly aligned with principles of cognitive constructivism, social constructivism, constructionism, situated learning, and transformative learning. Additionally, the analysis of students’ reflections throughout these 5 semesters of animal science senior capstone resulted in generalizable design principles to facilitate the implementation of DTEL in other animal science courses, especially in large class sizes (100+ students). The design principles derived from this 5-semester study include: 1) allocating most time to hands-on lab work versus lecture, 2) designating a coordinator faculty, 3) scaffolding for instructors unfamiliar with DTEL, 4) emphasizing consistency in processes over grades, and 5) intentionally developing teamwork skills. The study demonstrates the value of design-based research for iteratively refining and studying learning experiences to foster critical skills for undergraduate students in animal science.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 36 Productive and Physiological Responses of Feedlot Cattle Receiving Different Sources of Ca Salts of Fatty Acids in the Finishing Diet

  Journal of Animal Science · 2023-05-01 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract This experiment compared productive and physiological responses in feedlot cattle receiving a finishing diet that included Ca salts of palm oil (CSPALM), or a blend of Ca salts of palm, cottonseed, and soybean oils (CSMIX). Ninety yearling steers were housed in 15 pens equipped with Calan-gate feeders (6 steers/pen). Steers within each pen were ranked by shrunk body weight (BW; 410 ± 3.3 kg) on d 0 and assigned to receive a total-mixed ration (TMR) containing (as-fed basis) 2% of CSMIX (n = 30), 2% of CSPALM (n = 30), or no supplemental fat (CON; n = 30). Individual TMR intake was evaluated weekly. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 119, and 147. Samples of the Longissimus muscle (LM) were collected on d 84 via needle biopsy. Upon slaughter on d 148, hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded and used to determine final BW (63% dressing), whereas one LM steak sample (2.54 cm) was removed from the right side of each carcass. Steer ADG was greater (P = 0.02) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for CSMIX compared with CON. Feed efficiency was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and carcass LM area was less (P = 0.01) for CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for TMR intake, final BW, and other carcass merit traits including marbling. Mean plasma cholesterol concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in CSMIX and CSPALM compared with CON, and expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in the LM was greater (P ≤ 0.04) in CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.15) for plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and leptin, nor for other LM genes associated with marbling and muscle growth. Concentrations of total fatty acids (FA) in plasma and in LM steaks were greater (P < 0.01) in CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and greater (P < 0.01) in the LM steaks of CSPALM steers compared with CON. Moreover, steers receiving CSMIX had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of polyunsaturated and ω-6 FA in plasma samples and LM steaks compared with CSPALM and CON. Collectively, supplementing CSMIX improved performance traits and FA profile in the LM of feedlot steers, but the same responses were not observed when CSPALM was offered. The advantages noted from CSMIX supplementation appear to be resultant from the nutraceutical benefits of increased polyunsaturated ω-6 FA supply to the finishing diet.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 35 Effects of Supplementing Pre- and Pro-Biotic Feed Ingredients on Performance, Health, and Physiological Responses in Feedlot Cattle

  Journal of Animal Science · 2023-05-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract This experiment examined the effects of a synbiotic supplement (yeast-derived prebiotic + Bacillus subtilis probiotic), which replaced or was fed with feed-grade antimicrobials (monensin and tylosin), on performance and health responses of feedlot cattle. Angus-influenced steers (n = 192) from 4 different sources were weaned and transported 800 km to an experimental feedlot. Steers arrived on d 0 and a shrunk body weight (BW) was recorded. Steers were then ranked by source and shrunk BW and allocated to 1 of 24 drylot pens (8 steers/pen). Steers a received free-choice diet of 3 treatments: 1) monensin and tylosin (RT; 360 mg/steer/day from Rumensin and 90 mg/steer/day from Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN), 2) yeast-derived ingredient and B. subtilis probiotic (CC;8 g∙steer-1∙day-1 of Celmanax and 28 g∙steer-1∙day-1 of Certillus; Church and Dwight Co., Inc., Princeton, NJ), or 3) a combination of RT and CC (RTCC). Animals were adapted to diets in a stepwise manner which consisted of a receiving diet (d 0 to 56), two step-up diets (step-up: d 57 to 63; step-up 2: d 64 to 70), and a final diet (d 71 to slaughter). The cattle were slaughtered in four groups according to BW and balanced by treatments. More specifically, 33 steers were slaughtered on d 200, 33 steers on d 230, 63 steers on d 257, and 63 steers on d 285. Upon slaughter, hot carcass weight, backfat thickness, Longissimus muscle area, USDA marbling score, USDA yield/quality grades, and liver abscess score were recorded. Overall, feed intake during the duration of the experimental period (d 0 to slaughter) was greater (P < 0.01) in CC compared with RT and RTCC. However, no differences were observed for ADG (P = 0.61), final BW (P = 0.67), or morbidity (P = 0.15). With increases in intake but no differences in ADG the CC group had lower feed efficiency (P = 0.02) when compared with RT and RTCC. Upon slaughter, CC had higher marbling scores compared with RT (P = 0.04). Both the CC and RTCC cattle had larger Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.07) and more carcasses grading choice or better (P < 0.01) when compared with RT. Whereas, hot carcass weight, backfat thickness, and yield grade did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). There was tendency observed for liver abscesses (P ≤ 0.09) to be greater in CC compared with RT and RTCC. Overall, supplementing feedlot steers with RT and CC improved feed intake and some carcass measures despite the decreased feed efficiency experienced by these cattle but combining CC and RT did not yield any additional performance or health benefits.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Productive and physiological responses of feedlot cattle receiving different sources of Ca salts of fatty acids in the finishing diet

  Journal of Animal Science · 2023-01-01 · 4 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  This study evaluated productive and physiological responses in feedlot cattle receiving a finishing diet that included Ca salts of palm oil (CSPALM), or a blend of Ca salts of palm, cottonseed, and soybean oils (CSMIX). Ninety yearling steers were housed in 15 pens equipped with Calan-gate feeders (6 steers/pen). Steers within each pen were stratified by shrunk body weight (BW; 410 ± 3.3 kg across pens) on d 0 and assigned to receive a total-mixed ration (TMR) containing (dry matter basis) 2.2% of CSPALM (n = 30), 2.2% of CSMIX (n = 30), or no supplemental fat (CON; n = 30). Individual TMR intake was evaluated weekly. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 91, 119, and 147. Samples of the Longissimus muscle (LM) were collected on d 84 via biopsy. Upon slaughter on d 148, hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded to estimate final BW (63% dressing), and one LM steak sample (2.54 cm thickness) was removed from the right side of each carcass. Steer ADG was greater (P = 0.02) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for CSMIX compared with CON. The gain:feed ratio was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and carcass LM area was less (P = 0.01) for CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for TMR intake, final BW, and other carcass merit traits including marbling. Mean plasma cholesterol concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in CSMIX and CSPALM compared with CON, and mRNA expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in the LM on d 84 was greater (P ≤ 0.04) in CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.15) for plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and leptin, nor for other LM genes associated with marbling and muscle growth. Concentrations of total fatty acids (FA) in plasma and LM steak samples were greater (P < 0.01) in CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and greater (P < 0.01) in the LM samples of CSPALM compared with CON. Steers receiving CSMIX had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of polyunsaturated and ω-6 FA in plasma and LM steak samples compared with CSPALM and CON. Supplementing CSMIX improved gain efficiency and FA profile in the LM of feedlot steers compared with the CON diet, but the same responses were not observed when CSPALM was offered. Perhaps the advantages from CSMIX supplementation resulted from increasing the supply of polyunsaturated and ω-6 FA to the finishing diet.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Supplementing pre- and probiotic ingredients to feedlot steers: effects on health, growth performance, and physiological responses

  animal · 2023-03-11 · 5 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Feedlot diets are often enriched with additives to mitigate health disorders and promote cattle performance, including the feed-grade antimicrobials monensin and tylosin. However, alternative feeding strategies are warranted given the increasing regulations regarding the use of antimicrobials in feedlot diets. This study evaluated the performance, physiological, and health responses of feedlot cattle offered a synbiotic supplement (yeast-derived prebiotic + Bacillus subtilis probiotic), which replaced or was fed in conjunction with monensin and tylosin. Angus-influenced steers (n = 192) from four different cowherds were weaned on day -1 and transported (800 km) to the feedlot. Steers were allocated to 1 of 24 pens (eight steers/pen) upon arrival on day 0. Pens were assigned to receive (n = 8/treatment) a total-mixed ration (TMR) containing: (1) monensin and tylosin (RT; 360 mg/steer daily from Rumensin and 90 mg/steer daily from Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA), (2) yeast-derived ingredient and B. subtilis probiotic (CC; 18 g/steer daily of Celmanax and 28 g/steer daily of Certillus; Church and Dwight Co., Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA), or (3) a combination of RT and CC (RTCC). Steers were slaughtered according to BW in four groups balanced by treatment and pens and received treatments for 252 ± 4 days. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.17) for steer BW gain and morbidity responses. Mean TMR intake was greater and gain:feed ratio was less (P ≤ 0.01) in CC compared with RT and RTCC steers. Mean plasma leptin concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in CC compared with RT and RTCC steers. Steers receiving CC had greater (P ≤ 0.04) concentrations of plasma cortisol, haptoglobin, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and less (P ≤ 0.05) concentration of non-esterified fatty acids compared with RT and RTCC steers on day 14 of the experiment. Carcass marbling was greater (P = 0.01) in CC compared with RT steers and tended to be greater (P = 0.07) in RTCC compared with RT steers. Proportion of carcasses that graded Choice or better and Longissimus muscle area were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in CC and RTCC compared with RT steers. Incidence of liver abscesses was less (P = 0.01) in RTCC compared with CC steers and tended to be less (P = 0.09) in RT compared with CC steers. Results from this experiment indicate that the synbiotic supplement may replace monensin and tylosin without reducing steer BW gain, with potential improvements to carcass quality traits.

  PublisherDOI

• Impacts of learning experiences within an online extension initiative on application of research-based principles by beef stakeholders

  Translational Animal Science · 2023-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate, characterize and quantify the learning experiences and subsequent application of research-based technologies by beef producers upon conclusion of an online extension certification program (44 Farms International Beef Cattle Academy, IBCA). Upon conclusion of the program, paricipants were invited to complete a structured interview. Interview transcripts (n = 19) were coded, categorized, and merged into four overarching themes: Strengths, Struggles, Courses, and Geographical origin. Within Strengths, the most frequent codes were Connections, Application, and Instructor Experience, with 61, 53, and 50 coded segments respectively. Within Struggles, the most frequent codes were Time Management, Level of Knowledge, and Language issues, with 27, 18, and 15 coded segments, respectively. For Courses in the program, the most frequently mentioned were Nutrition, Reproduction, and Genetics, with 35, 28, and 24 coded segments respectively. Correlation between codes was evaluated using Pearson and only statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) correlations were included in the matrices for network analysis. Interpretation of the generated network analysis map (P ≤ 0.05; Q = 0.468) including all four categories of codes revealed close relationships between Application and the Strengths of Time management, Instructor Experience, and Connections. Application was also directly related to the Courses of Reproduction and Genetics, and the Struggle of Student Engagement and Guidance. Geographical origin was an important factor mediating different correlations. Developing countries (Brazil, Panama, Dominican Republic, and South Africa) were more closely related to the Struggle of Tuition cost, which, in turn was related to the perceived Prestige of the program. In Europe (Romania, Germany, and Kazakhstan), a stronger correlation to the Struggles of Material Relevance and Language Issues was described. Collectively, these results support the positive impact of a comprehensive and interactive extension initiative to leverage application of research-based principles by beef stakeholders around the world. Further, these outcomes indicate that the most valued aspects of the program regarding application are related to interpersonal experience with faculty and peers of the industry (Instructor Experience and Connections) and that perception of struggles and strengths is greatly influenced by socio-cultural aspects of the learning community.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Reinaldo F Cooke

  Texas A&M University

  258 shared

• Kelsey M Schubach

  Mississippi State University

  213 shared

• R. S. Marques

  Virginia Tech

  124 shared

• D. W. Bohnert

  Oregon State University

  119 shared

• Eduardo Colombo

  Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

  92 shared

• Thiago F Schumaher

  Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

  73 shared

• Osvaldo A de Sousa

  59 shared

• Ky G Pohler

  Texas A&M University

  58 shared

Education

• PhD, Department of Animal Science

  Texas A&M University

  2021

• Research Assistant

  Oregon State University

  2017

• Master of Science, Animal Production Deptarment

  Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho

  2016

• Bachelor, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science

  Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho

  2013