Overview
Background
I am a veterinarian and animal nutrition scientist focused on improving the health, welfare, and performance of pigs and poultry through nutrition and physiology. My research integrates sensory biology, digestive function, and early-life programming to develop practical, evidence-based solutions for modern livestock systems.
My work sits at the interface of monogastric nutrition, feed intake regulation, the gut–brain axis, and animal welfare in intensive production. I combine mechanistic research with strong industry engagement to ensure outcomes are relevant, scalable, and applicable on farm. Current projects focus on early-life nutritional strategies, functional feed additives, and the use of advanced analytical tools, including spectroscopy and multi-omics, to better understand animal responses to diet and environment.
At The University of Queensland (QAAFI), I lead and contribute to multidisciplinary, industry-linked research programs and supervise HDR students and early-career researchers. My goal is to generate robust scientific evidence that supports more sustainable, efficient, and welfare-focused animal production systems while strengthening the translation of research into practice.
Availability
- Dr Marta Navarro is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
My research delivers practical solutions that improve animal health, welfare, and production efficiency in commercial pig and poultry systems. By integrating nutrition, physiology, and sensory science, my work supports the transition toward more sustainable and antimicrobial-reduced livestock production.
A central impact of my research is the development of nutrition-based strategies that enhance early-life performance, feed intake, and resilience in pigs and poultry. These approaches are designed for direct adoption by industry and have been advanced through close collaboration with major producers, feed companies, and government stakeholders. The projects I have contributed to and led form part of externally funded research programs exceeding $12 million, with recent competitive grants secured as Chief Investigator supporting innovation in feed and water delivery systems.
My work also contributes to improved animal welfare and monitoring through the application of non-invasive technologies such as infrared and spectroscopic tools. These approaches support more precise, on-farm decision-making and have potential to reduce production losses associated with heat stress, poor feed intake, and health challenges.
Beyond research outputs, I support capacity building by supervising HDR students and training industry and research personnel in biosecurity, welfare, and experimental best practice. Collectively, my research strengthens the evidence base underpinning sustainable, welfare-focused livestock production and facilitates translation of science into real-world impact.
Works
Search Professor Marta Navarro’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Journal Article
Comparing different techniques for obtaining molecular size distributions of glycogen
Wan, Yujun, Chua, Sheena M. H., Yao, Yin, Adler, Lewis, Navarro, Marta, Roura, Eugeni, Tilley, Richard D., Li, Changfeng, Nilsson, Lars, Gilbert, Robert G. and Sullivan, Mitchell A. (2023). Comparing different techniques for obtaining molecular size distributions of glycogen. European Polymer Journal, 201 112518, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.112518
2023
Conference Publication
The volatile organic compound profile in commercial post-weaning diets differ from gestating or lactating diets potentially contributing to neophobic feeding behaviours in piglets
Bogere, P., Taylor, S., Navarro, M., Müller, M., Pascal, N., Ibanez, C., Tedo, G., Wong, M. and Roura, E. (2023). The volatile organic compound profile in commercial post-weaning diets differ from gestating or lactating diets potentially contributing to neophobic feeding behaviours in piglets. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.071
2023
Conference Publication
Mid-infrared spectroscopy can identify changes in plasma profiles associated with dietary interventions: Untargeted omic screening
Cozzolino, D., Navarro, M., Taylor, S., Ibanez, C., Pascal, N., Tedo, G., Müller, M. and Roura, E. (2023). Mid-infrared spectroscopy can identify changes in plasma profiles associated with dietary interventions: Untargeted omic screening. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.074
2023
Conference Publication
Stocking density increases the incidence of tail biting in post-weaned pigs
Abdallah, A., Kumar, A., Navarro, M., Müller, M., Tilbrook, A.J., Plush, K.J., D'Souza, D.N. and Roura, E. (2023). Stocking density increases the incidence of tail biting in post-weaned pigs. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.015
2023
Conference Publication
The ability of near infrared spectroscopy to measure volatile compounds in pig feed ingredients
Navarro, M., Cozzolino, D., Taylor, S., Müller, M., Pascal, N., Tedo, G., Ibanez, C. and Roura, E. (2023). The ability of near infrared spectroscopy to measure volatile compounds in pig feed ingredients. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.070
2023
Conference Publication
34. Low crude protein diets improve heat stress indicators in lactating sows under cyclic hyperthermal temperatures
Coba, A., Müller, M., Navarro, M., Soumeh, E.A., Pluske, J.R., van Wettere, W.H.E.J., Cottrell, J.J., Dunshea, F.R., Gaughan, J.B. and Roura, E. (2023). 34. Low crude protein diets improve heat stress indicators in lactating sows under cyclic hyperthermal temperatures. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.035
2023
Conference Publication
Individual variations in starch (maltooligosaccharides) preference in piglets
Zhou, M., Navarro, M., Tan, X. and Roura, E. (2023). Individual variations in starch (maltooligosaccharides) preference in piglets. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.075
2023
Conference Publication
68. The fingerprint of volatile organic compounds in swine feed formulations: signature groups and nutrient precursors
Taylor, S., Navarro, M., Müller, M., Pascal, N., Ibanez, C., Wong, M., Tran, V.H. and Roura, E. (2023). 68. The fingerprint of volatile organic compounds in swine feed formulations: signature groups and nutrient precursors. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13 - 16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.069
2023
Conference Publication
Umami feed flavouring in lactating sows under heat stress stimulates litter growth irrespective of the crude protein content of the diet
Müller, M., Coba, A., Navarro, M., Tedo, G., Cottrell, J.J., Dunshea, F.R., Pluske, J.R., van Wettere, W.H.E.J. and Roura, E. (2023). Umami feed flavouring in lactating sows under heat stress stimulates litter growth irrespective of the crude protein content of the diet. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.037
2023
Conference Publication
39. Physiological responses related to acute heat stress decrease over time as lactating sows become acclimated to a hyperthermic environment
Coba, A., Müller, M., Navarro, M., Soumeh, E.A., Pluske, J.R., van Wettere, W.H.E.J., Cottrell, J.J., Dunshea, F.R., Gaughan, J.B. and Roura, E. (2023). 39. Physiological responses related to acute heat stress decrease over time as lactating sows become acclimated to a hyperthermic environment. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13 - 16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.040
2023
Conference Publication
Preliminary screening of the gut microbiota of piglets for antibiotic-resistant genes using a metagenomic approach
Tran, V.H., Navarro, M., Omaleki, L., Roura, E. and Turni, C. (2023). Preliminary screening of the gut microbiota of piglets for antibiotic-resistant genes using a metagenomic approach. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.062
2023
Journal Article
The avian taste system
Niknafs, Shahram, Navarro, Marta, Schneider, Eve R. and Roura, Eugeni (2023). The avian taste system. Frontiers in Physiology, 14 1235377, 1-16. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1235377
2023
Conference Publication
Carvacrol diffuses from amnion to yolk where it remains stable in pre-hatch chicks
Meijer, M. M. Y., van den Brand, H., Niknafs, S., Navarro, M., Khaskheli, A. A. and Roura, E. (2023). Carvacrol diffuses from amnion to yolk where it remains stable in pre-hatch chicks. 23rd European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition, Rimini, Italy, 21-24 June 2023.
2023
Journal Article
Leucine (and lysine) increased plasma levels of the satiety hormone CCK, and phenylalanine of the incretin GLP-1 after oral gavages in pigs
Müller, Maximiliano, Xu, Chenjing, Navarro, Marta, Masiques, Nuria Elias, Tilbrook, Alan, van Barneveld, Robert and Roura, Eugeni (2023). Leucine (and lysine) increased plasma levels of the satiety hormone CCK, and phenylalanine of the incretin GLP-1 after oral gavages in pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 101 skad175. doi: 10.1093/jas/skad175
2023
Conference Publication
Use of a non-ionic surfactant to facilitate carvacrol diffusion through embryonic structures after ‘in ovo’ injection
Meijer, M. M. Y., van den Brand, H., Niknafs, S., Navarro, M., Khaskheli, A. A. and Roura, E. (2023). Use of a non-ionic surfactant to facilitate carvacrol diffusion through embryonic structures after ‘in ovo’ injection. 34th Annual Australian Poultry Symposium, Sydney, NSW Australia, 6-8 February 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Changes in voluntary amino acid consumption in broiler chickens reflect their growth rate when given a choice
Navarro, M., Niknafs, S. and Roura, E. (2023). Changes in voluntary amino acid consumption in broiler chickens reflect their growth rate when given a choice. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Perth, WA Australia, 29 November – 2 December 2022. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665123001222
2022
Journal Article
An oral gavage of lysine elicited early satiation while gavages of lysine, leucine, or isoleucine prolonged satiety in pigs
Müller, Maximiliano, Xu, Chenjing, Navarro, Marta, Masiques, Nuria Elias, Tilbrook, Alan, van Barneveld, Robert and Roura, Eugeni (2022). An oral gavage of lysine elicited early satiation while gavages of lysine, leucine, or isoleucine prolonged satiety in pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 100 (12) skac361, 1-8. doi: 10.1093/jas/skac361
2022
Book Chapter
Digestive physiology and nutrition of swine
Roura, Eugeni, Müller, Maximiliano, Campbell, Roger G., Ryoo, Michael and Navarro, Marta (2022). Digestive physiology and nutrition of swine. Sustainable Swine Nutrition. (pp. 3-36) Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781119583998.ch1
2022
Journal Article
Heat stress of gilts around farrowing causes oxygen insufficiency in the umbilical cord and reduces piglet survival
Zhao, W., Artaiz, O., Iqbal, Y., Le, H. H., DiGiacomo, K., Leury, B. J., Fothergill, L. J., Furness, J. B., Liu, F., Green, M. P., Finger, B. J., Navarro, M., Roura, E., D'Souza, D. N., Dunshea, F. R., Plush, K. J. and Cottrell, J. J. (2022). Heat stress of gilts around farrowing causes oxygen insufficiency in the umbilical cord and reduces piglet survival. animal, 16 (11) 100668, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100668
2022
Journal Article
CCK and GLP-1 release in response to proteinogenic amino acids using a small intestine ex vivo model in pigs
Müller, Maximiliano, Van Liefferinge, Elout, Navarro, Marta, Garcia-Puig, Elisabet, Tilbrook, Alan, van Barneveld, Robert and Roura, Eugeni (2022). CCK and GLP-1 release in response to proteinogenic amino acids using a small intestine ex vivo model in pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 100 (4) skac093. doi: 10.1093/jas/skac093
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Marta Navarro is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Non-essential amino acids requirements in reduced broiler chicken diets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura, Dr Arun Kumar, Professor Chiara Palmieri, Associate Professor Elham Assadi Soumeh
-
Doctor Philosophy
How to make antibiotics in pig feed redundant, naturally
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Conny Turni, Professor Eugeni Roura
-
Doctor Philosophy
Heat tolerance in lactating sows: dietary strategies and metabolic adaptation mechanisms
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Gaughan, Associate Professor Elham Assadi Soumeh, Professor Eugeni Roura
-
Doctor Philosophy
How to make antibiotics in pig feed redundant, naturally
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mike Gidley, Professor Eugeni Roura
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modulation of gut microbiota to improve piglets gut health during post-weaning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura, Dr Lida Omaleki, Dr Conny Turni
-
Doctor Philosophy
Unlocking the nutritional value of Australian canola seed and whole soybeans in pig diets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura
-
Doctor Philosophy
Eliminating pig tail removal to improve welfare and industry sustainability
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Arun Kumar, Professor Alan Tilbrook, Professor Eugeni Roura
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Modulating early life immunity in broiler chickens through in ovo delivery of carvacrol
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Professor Eugeni Roura
-
2019
Master Philosophy
Manipulating feed intake in pigs by bitter compounds
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Salivary and skin biomarkers relevant to perinatal conditioning in pigs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Stephen Anderson, Professor Eugeni Roura
Media
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