Primary research interest

Genetics, reproductive biology, and livestock sustainability

About me

I have a degree in Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Science in Animal Reproduction from the University of Sao Paulo (USP), Brazil. I completed my PhD in Genetics at The University of Queensland (UQ). After PhD, I worked as a post-doc at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), gaining experience in genomics and cattle trials.

Now, I am an academic in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. I teach genetics and genomics, and I lead the Livestock Genomics Group. As a research group, we are interested in understanding how genetics influence reproductive biology. Our research contributes to the development of sustainable livestock industry practices.

Research focus and collaborations

Livestock Genomics Group

Our Group investigates the genetics of livestock animals, applying genomic technologies. Beef cattle fertility phenotypes, which are complex and therefore influenced by multiple genes are our focus. Cattle fertility is a concern and an opportunity for improvement in Queensland's beef sector.

Imagine you have 100 cows, but they only produce 50-60 calves per year. An improved system would be to have 100 cows with higher genetic merit for fertility traits, which would produce 80-90 calves per year. Since the number of cows is the same in both scenarios (100) the environmental impact is similar, but more food is produced by the fertile cows. In short, our research aims at aiding the industry to produce more beef, and less methane.

Current projects in the group use genome-wide technology (i.e. SNP chips and Next Generation Sequencing) to investigate the genetics of female and male cattle fertility. We study puberty, spermatogenesis and fertility indicators such as scrotal circumference or length of post-partum anoestrus. The aim is to further understand reproductive biology and to create tools for genetic improvement towards higher herd fertility, translated into improved weaning rates. 

Collaborative research expands the group activities and interests. Our group collaborates extensively with researchers at QAAFI, CSIRO Agriculture, and the Queensland Department of Ag and Fisheries to expand our capabilities. For example, we can now measure methane emissions using tracer gas methodology, which includes partnering with QASP at Gatton and AGFS for gas chromatography.

Funded projects

  • 2024 - UQ-BIRRST grant. Proof of concept for a cattle puberty biomarker. Research carried in collaboration with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
  • 2023 - LESTR, the Low Emissions Saliva Test for Ruminants. Funded by Meat and Livestock Australia. In collaboration with QAAFI colleagues.
  • 2019 – Research Project “Bull fertility update: historical data, new cohort and advanced genomics”. Funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.
  • 2018 – Research Project “Female Reproduction Phenobank and Validation Herds”. Funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.
  • 2017 – Advanced QLD Fellowship “Female Reproduction Phenobank and Validation Herds”
  • 2016 -  ECR grant from The University of Queensland. “Contribution of non-coding RNA to DNA structure in sperm and male fertility”.
  • 2015 - Zoetis Inc. Cattle Call Award. “Functional genetic markers for beef cattle reproductive traits” Collaboration between UQ-SCMB and CSIRO, contract signed by Uniquest.
  • 2013 - Research Project “Ideal markers for tropically adapted cattle - proof of concept: causative mutations for bull fertility”. Collaboration between UQ-QAAFI and CSIRO, funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.
  • 2013 - Research Project "Heritability and role of new sperm assays". Funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.
  • 2013 - Research Project "Heritability and genomics of sperm chromatin integrity: male fertility parameters for Bos indicus bulls". UQ Start up grant.
  • 2009 - Research Project "Markers and genes influencing puberty". Funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.

Awards and achievements

  • 2017 - 2021 Advanced QLD Fellowship
  • 2014 - The University of Queensland Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship.
  • 2013 - Dean’s Award for Research Higher Degree Excellence from the University of Queensland.
  • 2012 - Fellowship from the International Stockmen's Educational Foundation.
  • 2010 - Travel Bursary, International Society for Animal Genetics.
  • 2009 - Beef CRC “top up” living allowance scholarship.
  • 2009 - UQRS University of Queensland Research Scholarship.
  • 2009 - UQIRTA University of Queensland International Research Tuition Award

Teaching interests

  • BIOL3222 - Model Organism Genetics
  • BIOL3303 - Genomics
  • BIOL2202 - Genetics
  • BIOC3003 - Human Molecular Genetics & Disease
  • BIOT7037 – Current Innovations in Agricultural Biotechnology
  • BIOT7038 – Biotechnology Applied to Livestock Industries

Student supervision

If you are interested in Honours or PhD opportunities within the Livestock Genomics Group please contact me.

Featured publications

Researcher biography

Marina Fortes has a degree in Veterinary Medicine (2004) and a Master of Science in Animal Reproduction (2007) from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. She completed her PhD in genetics, in 2012 at The University of Queensland (UQ). For her PhD Marina had international scholarships from UQ and the Beef CRC. Her PhD received the Dean's commendation award. After that, Marina worked as a post-doc at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI). In August 2014, Marina joined the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) as an academic and established the Livestock Genomics Group. As a researcher, Marina is interested in genetics and genomics, sustainable livestock production, and reproductive biology. Ongoing collaborations link her group to a rich research environment, both domestic and international, which contributes to sustainable livestock industries. Meat and Livestock Australia has provided ongoing support to the projects led by her group. For her work on the genomics of cow fertility, Marina received an Advanced Queensland Fellowship (2018-2021). Marina teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including the Livestock Biotechnology course (BIOT7038) within the Master of Biotechnology program. The Women in Science podcast - https://soundcloud.com/womeninscience - was produced by Marina Fortes, Marloes Dekker, and Kirsty Short.