Dr. Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
Osvaldo grew up in Paraguay, a small country in the central region of South America. He is the middle child of a family of three and was raised on a beef farm around 300 km from the capital city of Asunción. From an early age he knew he wanted to study veterinary science and in 2004 he commenced his Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine at the National University of Asuncion. Throughout his undergraduate degree his interest developed in beef cattle reproduction. In 2010 he undertook his Masters in Biotechnology of Reproduction in Cows at Universidad de Cordoba (Argentina). His focus was clear that he wanted a research career and he spent six months in New Zealand to learn English. In 2013 he started a PhD in Ghent University in Belgium researching “Subclinical Inflammation in the Uterus of Dairy Cows’’.
In 2019 he completed a Postdoc in Guelph University, Canada and developed skills in epidemiology and systemic inflammation. He then completed a postdoc in translational applied research at Antwerp University. In 2023 Osvaldo became the first paraguayan to be a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists. In 2024, Dr. Pascottini secured an Ad Astra fellowship in University College Dublin.
He is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine.
See more below
Current Research Challenges
The focus of the research work of Dr. Pascottini is on reproductive tract inflammatory disease in cows. Around 50% of all postpartum cows develop this condition. This issue negatively impacts the welfare of cows and has long-lasting effects on their fertility. Currently, the only available treatment is antibiotics, which raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Pascottini's work is seeking to develop a non-antibiotic treatment for the condition. He seeks to identify the healthy composition of the uterus of fertile dairy cows. His approach is to isolate the bacteria present in healthy, fertile dairy cows and have them interact with the uterine cells. His final aim is to create a synthetic uterine microbiome to be the future for the prevention, treatment and enhancement of fertility in cows that have or are recovering from uterine disease.
Dr. Pascottini supervises several PhD students and postdocs in the laboratory, where they collect samples from healthy cows to sequence and analyze the composition of the uterine microbiome. Ultimately, he intends to establish a dedicated research team to collaborate with microbiologists in isolating specific microbes and cultivating them using bioreactors.
The Researcher
Osvaldo has extensive experience in bovine science, data analysis, and machine learning applications. He maintains strong collaborative partnerships with leading institutions, including Ghent University, Antwerp University, and the University of Guelph. .Currently, Osvaldo is also collaborating with the University of Goiás in Brazil, focusing on intra-follicular transfer of immature oocytes.
Osvaldo believes that building strong collaborations and active networks are essential to advancing scientific research. He thrives on engaging with colleagues worldwide, exchanging ideas, and integrating diverse perspectives to address complex challenges.
His expertise spans from in vitro embryo production to molecular-level laboratory work and sequencing. Before beginning his research at University College Dublin, Osvaldo gained broad multidisciplinary experience, allowing him to tackle a wide range of topics with confidence and depth.
He is a diplomate of The American College of Theriogenologists, a prestigious and highly specialized certification for veterinarians focusing on reproductive health and theriogenology, and he is one of only three professionals in Ireland to hold this distinction. In addition to his clinical expertise, he plays a significant leadership role in the field of animal reproduction, serving as a board member of the European Society for Domestic Animal Reproduction (ESDAR) and as chair of the Reproduction Committee of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), where he contributes to advancing research, setting professional standards, and fostering international collaboration in dairy and livestock reproductive science.
He enjoys playing football several times a week, socialising with friends over a beer, spending time with his cats and partner and playing video games.
Future Research Aspirations
Dr. Pascottini wants to advance several key areas in reproductive research, focusing on innovations that improve animal health, reproductive efficiency, and sustainability:
Validating the synthetic microbiome: Dr Pascottini is focused on validating the effectiveness and safety of synthetic microbiome solutions designed to improve animal health and reduce reliance on antibiotics. This innovative approach aims to strengthen animals’ natural defenses while promoting overall herd health.
One Health concept and metabolic stress in early embryo development: Dr Pascottini strongly believes in the value of the cow as a model for studying infertility in women, particularly when related to metabolic stress. Early embryo development up to day 7 shows remarkable similarities between cows and humans, making cows an excellent model for understanding reproductive challenges in women under metabolic stress conditions.
Generating new biotechnology – intra-follicular transfer of immature oocytes: Dr Pascottini is developing a novel biotechnology involving the intra-follicular transfer of immature oocytes. This pioneering technique has the potential to advance reproductive technologies and improve the efficiency of in-vitro embryo production.
Dr Pascottini is deeply committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. His research focuses on developing non-antibiotic-based treatments for cows, which could significantly reduce antibiotic use in livestock. This approach not only improves the quality of milk and meat but also has broader positive implications for animal and public health. Ultimately, Dr Pascottini believes that reducing antibiotic dependence in agriculture is essential for creating a healthier, more sustainable future for society as a whole
Related Links
(opens in a new window)UCD Profile
(opens in a new window)LinkedIn