A Chilean veterinarian with livestock expertise has been brought on board by animal health company Virbac Australia.
Dr Paula Gonzalez-Rivas has been hired as the new Technical Services Manager for Nutrition, having previously worked as a research fellow at the University of Melbourne School of Agriculture and Food.
Dr Gonzalez-Rivas has a Masters in animal studies from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Agricultural Sciences and brings five years of experience in small and large animal practice in Chile to the role.
She also has six years of experience in research applied to nutrition and heat stress in ruminants.
During her Masters, Dr Gonzalez-Rivas studied Northern Beef phosphorous deficiencies, while in her PhD she focused on heat stress amelioration in ruminants using nutritional approaches.
She has also completed a post-doctorate fellowship exploring effects of heat stress on meat quality in feedlot cattle.
"I'm looking forward to working with farmers and veterinarians to create better animal health and production by improving nutrition and address their needs and concerns in this area," Dr Gonzalez-Rivas said.
"I will have the opportunity to interact with farmers and veterinarians across the country and provide advice on animal nutrition and the benefits of Multimin trace mineral injection, one of Virbac Australia's best-known products for immunity, health and fertility."
As part of her new role, Dr Gonzalez-Rivas plans to spearhead trials to demonstrate benefits of Multimin under Australian conditions.
She will also investigate further potential benefits of the product in other areas of animal health and production, as well as present seminars, attend meetings and roadshows to share her knowledge with the industry.