USask beef cattle ethologist receives bovine welfare award
Dr. Diego Moya (DVM, PhD), a beef cattle ethologist at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), has received the 2024 Metacam Bovine Welfare Award for his exceptional work in advancing the scientific understanding of bovine welfare and implementing improvements in the beef cattle sector.
Moya was named as the award’s recipient on Sept. 12 during the annual general meeting of the CABV/ACVB in Columbus, Ohio. The Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians/Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (CABV/ACVB) annually present the Metacam Bovine Welfare Award in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc.
“Dr. Moya’s passion for animal welfare that is so well reflected in his research and in all of his professional activities has been a great benefit to cattle and to those who work with cattle,” said Dr. Jodi Wallace (DVM), CABV/ACVB president.
Moya, who joined the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) faculty in 2018, is an assistant professor in the college’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Through his research, he investigates the connections between animal welfare, behaviour and disease. His work focuses on how nutritional management can enhance animal welfare and how to mitigate pain associated with castration in beef cattle.
In addition to his research, Moya is a strong advocate for animal welfare in modern agriculture. He serves on animal welfare committees including the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association’s animal welfare committee and the scientific merit review committee for animal-based research at USask.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the 2024 Metacam Bovine Welfare Award,” said Moya. “I am grateful for this award and the opportunity to join the ranks of esteemed past recipients who have all made substantial contributions to improving bovine welfare. This recognition also reflects the unwavering support I have received from my colleagues and mentors.”
Originally from Spain, Moya completed his veterinary degree at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and then obtained Master of Science and PhD degrees in animal nutrition, studying feed additives as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters.
After moving to Canada, Moya completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Beef Welfare and Behaviour Unit at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Research and Development Centre in Lethbridge, Alta. Before joining the WCVM, Moya was also a research fellow at Aberystwyth University in Wales, where his work focused on better understanding animal behaviour and metabolism (feeding, growth, urination pattern and use of shelter) to increase productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Chris Luby (DVM, PhD), a WCVM colleague and head of the college’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, nominated Moya for the national honour.
“Dr. Moya has significantly advanced our scientific understanding of bovine welfare and implemented improvements in this field,” said Luby. “He has shown exceptional leadership in imparting the science, ethics and culture of animal welfare to the next generation of veterinarians and animal scientists.”
“Dr. Moya’s dedication and passion is recognized through his invaluable research and leadership in animal welfare, significantly benefiting the cattle industry,” added Derek Groff, business unit director (livestock) with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada. “We congratulate Dr. Moya for his profound impact and contributions to the advancement of bovine welfare in Canada.”