Dr. Angela Maria Gonella-Diaza
Assistant Professor
Beef Cattle Reproduction
Dr. Angela Gonella is an Assistant Professor of Beef Cattle Reproduction at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) and in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. She earned her D.V.M. from the University of Applied and Environmental Sciences (UDCA, Colombia), her M.Sc. from the National University of Colombia, and her Ph.D. from the University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Dr. Gonella’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating early pregnancy in beef cattle, including molecular markers of endometrial and oviductal receptivity, metabolomic markers associated with feed and reproductive efficiency, and periconceptional programming. Her extension program focuses on improving the adoption of reproductive technologies and enhancing reproductive efficiency in cow–calf operations.
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Research
Since joining the University of Florida in 2019, I have built a dynamic and multifaceted research program that integrates fundamental reproductive physiology with applied reproductive management strategies to improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. My work bridges molecular biology, reproductive physiology, and herd-level management, creating a unique combination of fundamental science and real-world impact. My program is research-intensive and student-centered, and I am proud to mentor a talented group of graduate students who are making significant contributions to the field.
My research program is structured around three main objectives:
- To understand how the maternal reproductive tract environment influences uterine receptivity, embryo development, and postnatal performance.
- To apply systems biology approaches to develop and validate molecular biomarkers associated with reproductive and feed efficiency.
- To increase the proportion of females that become pregnant early in the breeding season through improved estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination protocols.
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Extension
Reproductive efficiency is a key determinant of profitability in the beef industry. Research consistently shows that reproductive performance has a greater impact on the economic sustainability of cow–calf operations than traits such as growth rate or carcass quality. Herd productivity is closely linked to reproductive success, which directly affects important production indicators such as calving distribution and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed.
Despite these benefits, the adoption of reproductive technologies in U.S. cow–calf operations remains relatively low. Recent reports indicate that only 7.3% of operations use estrus synchronization, 11.6% utilize artificial insemination, 3% implement embryo transfer programs, and 31.6% perform any form of pregnancy diagnosis. Factors such as labor requirements, infrastructure limitations, delayed economic returns, and limited access to reliable information contribute to this low adoption rate.
The goal of my extension program is to help producers identify the most appropriate reproductive strategies for their operations and improve decision-making through data collection, record keeping, and practical reproductive management tools.
My extension program complements my research efforts by facilitating the dissemination of research findings and maintaining strong communication with stakeholders. Through outreach activities at the North Florida Research and Education Center, I focus on promoting science-based reproductive management and increasing the adoption of reproductive technologies to improve the efficiency and profitability of cow–calf operations.
Contact
Dr. Angela Maria Gonella-Diaza
Assistant Professor
Beef Cattle Reproduction
North Florida Research and Education Center
3925 Highway 71
Marianna, FL 32466
Phone: 850-526-1612
Fax: 352-846-6617
Email
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Education
- Post Doctoral Research Assistant, Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Sao Paulo (USP) 2019
- PH.D. University of Sao Paulo (USP) 2017
- M.S. Reproductive Physiology in the National University of Colombia 2013
- Vet school in Bogota (Colombia) in the Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (UDCA) 2008
- Publications