Assistant Professor of Animal Science
Dr. Jessica Carvalho Seabra conducts research in animal welfare, behavior and nutrition, with an emphasis on developing practical, science-based approaches to improve animal well-being. She uses behavioral and physiological indicators to assess the welfare of horses used for work and in different equestrian sports in both Brazil and the United States. As a postdoctoral research fellow at Colorado State University, under the mentorship of Dr. Temple Grandin, she conducted welfare assessments of therapy horses. Through her teaching and research, she seeks to disseminate knowledge and practical approaches that can improve the relationship between humans and animals.
Education
- Postdoctoral training, Colorado State University, USA
- Ph.D. in Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil (Doctoral stay at Colorado State University, USA)
- M.S. in Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
- B.S. in Animal Science, State University of Northern Fluminense, Brazil
Teaching Interests
- Introduction to Animal Sciences
- Introduction to Agricultural Sciences
Research Interests
- Animal Behavior
- Animal welfare
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Management
- Human-animal interaction
- Stress Physiology
- Equine Science
Selected Publications
- Carvalho Seabra, J., Hess, T., Finnestead, T. R., Grandin, T. Welfare Assessment in Equine-Assisted Service (EAS) Horses. Animals, v. 16, n. 10, p. 1434, 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16101434
- Seabra, J.C.; do Vale, M. M.; Hess, T.; Spercoski, K.M.; Brooks, R.; Dittrich, J. R. Effects of different hay feeders, availability of roughage on abnormal behaviors and time budget of horses kept in dry lots. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, v. 130, p. 104911, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104911
- Seabra, J.C.; do Vale, M. M.; Hess, T.; Spercoski, K.M.; Dittrich, J. R. Time-budget and welfare indicators of stabled horses in three different stall architectures: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, v. 131, p. 104936, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104936
- Seabra, J. C.; Dittrich, J. R.; do Vale, M. M. Factors associated with the development and prevalence of abnormal behaviors in horses: systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, p. 103750, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103750
- Seabra, J. C.; Dittrich, J. R., do Vale, M. M., Janiszewski, J. R., and de Hollanda, R. S. Alteração da temperatura ocular em reposta ao treinamento de corrida em cavalos Puro-Sangue-Inglês no Jockey Club. (Eye temperature change in response to race training in thoroughbred horses at the Jockey Club) Archives of Veterinary Science, 24(3), 2019.http://dx.doi.org/10.5380/avs.v24i3.61177
Professional Associations
- The Equine Science Society (ESS)