About

Professor Maria Cattai de Godoy is associated with the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. She is part of the Laboratory of Companion Animal and Comparative Nutrition, which is dedicated to advancing the knowledge of nutrition for cats, dogs, humans, and other animals. The laboratory emphasizes research and analytical capabilities in the field of companion animal nutrition, supported by recent updates to their analytical equipment to enhance their capacity and capabilities. Further details about her specific research focus, background, or key contributions are not provided on the page.

Research topics

• Biology
• Food science
• Chemistry
• Animal science
• Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Internal medicine
• Dentistry

Selected publications

• Incorporating defatted black soldier fly meal (BSFLM) as a functional alternative ingredient in dog food

  Journal of Animal Science · 2026-01-01

  articleSenior author

  The utilization of insect protein, specifically black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM), offers a viable alternative, sustainable, and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet foods. However, limited information is available on optimal inclusion levels and its functional properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incremental levels of BSFLM as a partial or full substitute for chicken by-product meal (CM) in extruded diets. Thirty healthy adult Beagles were assigned to one of three dietary treatments: a control diet with CM, a diet containing 15% BSFLM, and a diet with 30% BSFLM, where CM was partially or fully replaced. Following a 14-d adaptation period on the control diet, the dogs were fed the test diets for 56 d. No significant differences were observed in food intake, fecal output, or apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat across the treatment groups (P > 0.05). However, dogs fed the 30% BSFLM diet showed a reduction in ATTD of organic matter (81.2%) and total dietary fiber (18.9%) compared to the control group (83.2% and 30.3%, respectively; P < 0.05), likely due to the chitin content acting as insoluble fiber. Fecal microbiota analysis showed no changes in alpha diversity; however, unweighted UniFrac analysis revealed significant shifts in beta diversity associated with diet and time. The inclusion of BSFLM-modulated fecal metabolites resulted in lower concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and phenols in the 30% BSFLM group (P < 0.05). Serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, including a range of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes, were unaffected by the dietary treatments, indicating no adverse health effects. These findings support the use of BSFLM as a viable and environmentally friendly protein ingredient in canine nutrition, offering a promising alternative to traditional protein sources while contributing to the sustainability of pet food production.

  PublisherDOI

• Protein quality of chicken-based protein sources evaluated by precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay

  Journal of Animal Science · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Evaluating the protein quality of ingredients is essential for formulating nutritionally adequate canine and feline diets. This study aimed to determine and compare the standardized amino acid (AA) digestibility using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Four ingredients were tested: spray-dried chicken protein hydrolysate (CPH), spray-dried chicken meat (CC), spray-dried chicken broth (CB), and chicken meal (CM). Sixteen cecectomized roosters (4 roosters per substrate) were randomly assigned to the 4 test substrates. After 26 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 12 g of test substrates and 12 g of corn, and the AA digestibility of the test ingredient was calculated by difference. Following crop intubation, excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using 5 additional fasted cecectomized roosters to calculate standardized AA digestibility values. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Generally, CC had the highest (P < 0.05) standardized digestibility for AA, followed by CPH. Methionine, phenylalanine, and valine had higher (P < 0.05) digestibility in CC and CPH than in CB and CM. Digestibility of isoleucine and leucine were higher (P < 0.05) in roosters fed CC, followed by CPH, CM, and CB. Higher lysine digestibility (P < 0.05) was observed in rooster-fed CC and CPH, followed by CM and CB. Histidine and threonine had the lowest digestibility (P < 0.05) in CB compared to all other ingredients. In contrast, the digestibility of tryptophan was highest (P < 0.05) in CC, followed by CPH and CB, while CM had similar (P > 0.05) digestibility to CC and CPH. Amino acid digestibility for most indispensable AA was above 80% for all ingredients, except for histidine, lysine, and threonine, which were exceptions only for CB (68%, 73%, and 74%, respectively). For selected dispensable AA, the digestibility was above 60% for all ingredients, except for aspartic acid in CB and CM, and serine in CB, which were exceptions (43%, 68%, and 66%, respectively). In general, the lowest digestible indispensable amino acid score values (DIAAS) were observed in roosters fed CB, followed by CPH, CM, and the highest in CC. Overall, CC and CPH have comparable indispensable AA digestibility. Based on DIAAS-like values, tryptophan and phenylalanine + tyrosine were identified as the first limiting AA for adult dogs and growing puppies, while phenylalanine + tyrosine was the first limiting AA for adult cats and growing kittens.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Evaluation of nutritional values of defatted black soldier fly (<i>Hermetia illucens</i>) larvae meal using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay

  Journal of Animal Science · 2025-01-01 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  The use of insects, such as black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM), as an alternative protein source for pet food has gained attention due to their high nutritional value. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, amino acid (AA) digestibility, and protein quality of defatted BSFLM of 2 distinct substrates (wheat and corn, BSFLM-W and BSFLM-C). Whole egg powder (WEP) and chicken meal (CM) were used as reference protein sources commonly used in pet foods. Twenty cecectomized roosters (5 per treatment) were randomly allocated to the test ingredients BSFLM-C, BSFLM-W, CM, and WEP. After 26 h of feed withdrawal, 20 g of each ingredient were tube-fed, and excreta were collected for 48 h. Digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated based on the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), and National Research Council (NRC) reference values for different life stages of dogs and cats. CM had the highest crude protein concentration (70.2%), followed by BSFLM-C (65.6%), BSFLM-W (59.8%), and WEP (51.2%). In general, WEP had higher AA digestibility than BSFLM and CM. BSFLM-C had comparable arginine digestibility to WEP, outperforming BSFLM-W and CM. BSFLM-C showed high AA digestibility, surpassing 75% for all indispensable AAs, particularly exceeding CM. DIAAS-like values were calculated, revealing methionine + cysteine limitations for growing puppies and adult dogs in BSFLM-W, BSFLM-C, and CM according to AAFCO and FEDIAF. NRC identified methionine + cysteine as limiting for all sources in adult dogs. For growing kittens, methionine + cysteine and phenylalanine + tyrosine were limiting in BSFLM-W, BSFLM-C, and CM based on AAFCO and FEDIAF, while NRC and FEDIAF identified phenylalanine + tyrosine as limiting for WEP. For adult cats, phenylalanine + tyrosine was limiting in BSFLM-W, BSFLM-C, and CM according to AAFCO and FEDIAF, with NRC identifying it across all sources. In summary, BSFLM sources had high AA digestibility, comparable to traditional protein sources used in pet foods. When formulating diets for pets using BSFLM as the main protein source, methionine + cysteine and/or phenylalanine + tyrosine concentrations should be considered as they were the primary limiting AAs.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effects of spray-dried plasma on nutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites, microbiota, and immune and inflammatory biomarkers in adult dogs

  Journal of Animal Science · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Spray-dried plasma (SDP) is a high-quality protein source with functional properties that support gut health, immune function, and digestibility. Although its benefits have been demonstrated in various animal species (e.g., swine, poultry, rodents, and fish), further research is needed to understand its specific effects in extruded diets and canine health. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating SDP from swine, in partial replacement of chicken meal, into extruded diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites, microbiota composition, serum chemistry, and inflammatory and immune biomarkers in adult dogs. Extrusion processing parameters were also evaluated in diets containing increasing levels of SDP. Four dietary treatments were formulated: a Control diet without SDP, a diet with 4% SDP applied as a coating (4% coating diet), and diets with 4% or 8% SDP included within the kibble matrix prior to extrusion. Twelve adult Beagles (n = 12) were assigned to the four dietary treatments in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design, with each diet fed for 21 d following a 7-d adaptation period. All diets were well accepted by the dogs. Feeding 8% SDP maintained overall nutrient digestibility but reduced total dietary fiber digestibility (P < 0.05). Fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, particularly propionate, were higher in dogs fed the 8% SDP diet (193.8 µmol/g) compared with the Control diet (126.8 µmol/g; P < 0.05). Additionally, a linear reduction in protein fermentation byproducts, mainly indole metabolites, was observed, suggesting a beneficial shift in microbial metabolism (P < 0.05). Inclusion of SDP also modulated fecal microbiota composition, with changes across several genera and increases in beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Catenibacterium, while also affecting beta-diversity (P < 0.05). Serum chemistry analysis showed lower blood urea nitrogen in dogs fed the 4% Coating SDP (17.8 mg/dL), 4% SDP (18.0 mg/dL), and 8% SDP (16.3 mg/dL) diets compared with the Control diet (19.8 mg/dL; P < 0.05), suggesting improved protein metabolism. Fecal IgA concentrations were higher in dogs fed 8% SDP than the Control diet, indicating potential immunomodulatory effects that may contribute to improved intestinal homeostasis (P < 0.05). These findings support the potential of SDP as a functional ingredient in canine diets, contributing to gut health, metabolic regulation, and immune function in extruded pet food.

  PublisherDOI

• Effects of supplementation with <i>Bifidobacterium animalis</i> subsp. <i>lactis</i> CECT 8145—in live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic form—on fecal metabolites, fecal microbiota, blood metabolites and systemic biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and white blood cell gene expression of adult cats

  Journal of Animal Science · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Probiotics and postbiotics have been linked with enhancement of gastrointestinal health. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of daily supplementation of a pro- and a postbiotic on metabolic health, blood metabolites and systemic biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, fecal fermentative end-products, the gastrointestinal microbiota and white blood cell gene expression of adult cats. The study was a double-blind parallel randomized design with 36 cats divided into 3 groups. Animals were fed a standard extruded commercial diet. The groups were control diet + placebo (maltodextrin carrier) (CON), control diet + probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145; daily dosage: 1010 CFU/day) (PRO), and control diet + postbiotic (Heat-treated Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145) 1x1010 cells/day (POST). Longitudinal analyses were performed every 30 d for a total of 90 d. There was no observed effect on body weight (P > 0.05). At a species level, cats in the PRO group had an increased abundance of Bifidobacterium animalis over time (P < 0.05). Over time, CAZy genes between the PRO and POST groups presented similar output when compared to the CON group. There was no treatment by day effect of serum cytokines and chemokines (P > 0.05). Overall, the supplementation of the probiotic and postbiotic was safe and well tolerated during the supplementation period, showing similar physiological responses in this population of adult cats.

  PublisherDOI

• PSI-20 Herbal extract supplementation as a functional ingredient in modulating canine gut microbiome and biomarkers of gut health.

  Journal of Animal Science · 2025-10-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Herbal extracts have gained popularity for their functional properties due to their phenolic compounds and phytochemicals. Humans have a long history of utilizing these herbal extracts and their phytochemicals for their medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and digestive health promoting effects. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different inclusion rates of an herbal extract mixture (cinnamon, tea, and pomegranate hydrogenated vegetable oil) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients and fecal metabolites, microbiota, and biomarkers in adult canines. This study used a complete randomized design with 32 canines fed a complete and balanced chicken and rice diet formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adult canines (AAFCO, 2024) containing different inclusion rates of the herbal extract mixture: Control (0 ppm), Diet 1 (100 ppm), Diet 2 (200 ppm), Diet 3 (400 ppm). The total experimental period was 56 days, with the first 7 days as diet adaptation to the Control diet prior to baseline collections. Total fecal collection was performed on days 10-14 and days 31-35, while fresh fecal samples were collected on days 0, 14, 21, 35, and 49. An antibiotic challenge was performed on days 14-21. Food was given once per day to maintain body weight and body condition score. A quadratic effect was observed for ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), total dietary fiber (TDF), and gross energy (GE). Dogs fed Diet 1 had the highest digestibility in DM, OM, TDF, and GE (P &amp;lt; 0.03) compared with other treatments before the antibiotic challenge. In addition, Diet 1 and Diet 2 had the highest OM and TDF digestibility (P &amp;lt; 0.009) compared with other treatments considering pre and post-antibiotic challenge measurements. Fecal score and pH did not differ among treatment groups (P &amp;gt;0.05). However, fecal metabolites differed among treatments. Indole was highest in the Control treatment (P=0.0047) with a linear contrast (P=0.0437), and 7-Methylindole and total indole was highest in Diet 1 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was also a quadratic effect of isovalerate (P=0.0373). Fecal calprotectin (CP) and IgA concentrations had a linear negative slope to increasing levels of herbal extract (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Alpha and beta-diversity (q &amp;lt; 0.05), as well the abundance of Fusobacteriaceae, Selenomonadaceae, Holdemanella, Na.17, and Blautia glucerasea in the fecal microbiota (P &amp;lt; 0.05), decreased in response to the antibiotic challenge (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, this herbal extract mixture was well tolerated and accepted by dogs and had positive effects on nutrient digestibility and fecal metabolite concentrations.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 308 Influence of spray-dried plasma on fecal metabolites, gut microbiota, and inflammatory biomarkers in canine nutrition.

  Journal of Animal Science · 2025-10-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Spray-dried plasma (SDP) is a functional protein ingredient derived from animal blood. It is recognized for its high nutritional value and bioactive compounds, including immunoglobulins, growth factors, and biologically active peptides. However, its effects on companion animal nutrition, particularly in extruded canine diets, have not been extensively explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SDP inclusion in extruded canine diets on fecal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota composition, and inflammatory biomarkers. Twelve adult Beagles were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a replicated 4×4 Latin Square design: a control diet (0% SDP), 4% SDP applied as a kibble coating, and 4% or 8% SDP incorporated pre-extrusion. Dogs consuming 8% SDP had higher fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, particularly propionate, and lower levels of protein fermentation byproducts, such as 3-methylindole (P &amp;lt; 0.05). SDP inclusion also modulated fecal microbiota composition, increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in dogs fed the 4% Coating SDP diet and Catenibacterium in those receiving 4% SDP (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, higher fecal IgA concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.05) were observed in dogs fed the 8% SDP, suggesting a significant enhancement of mucosal immunity, possibly contributing to improved intestinal homeostasis and overall immune defense. Overall, the findings of this study support SDP’s potential as a functional ingredient in canine diets, promoting gut health.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Insect meals in cat diets and their effects on digestibility, physiology, and gut microbiota

  Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2025-05-29 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Insects are a valuable source of nutrients, but little is known about their nutritional value for companion animals. In this study, we evaluated the inclusion of three insect meals in cat diets (Cinerea cockroach, CC; Madagascar cockroach, MC; and Superworm, SW) at two different levels (7.5 and 15%) on apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC), blood parameters, fecal pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA), phenol and indole production, and gut microbiota during six experimental periods of 15 days each. No differences were found for ADC, except for chitin in which MC registered the highest ADC. The fermentative product analysis showed that propionate displayed higher abundance in all insect treatments compared to the control group. Moreover, cats fed CC diet resulted in higher fecal butyrate while higher 4-methylphenol was registered in cats fed MC and SW diets. No significant differences were found for fecal pH and score, as well as no change in urea, creatinine, and blood count were registered. No differences were registered for total fecal SCFA, BCFA, phenol, and indole production compared to the control group or between insect meal fed groups. The fecal microbiota analyzed by gene 16S rRNA sequencing of cats did not register differences in alpha or beta diversity. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of insect meal up to 15% is a suitable alternative food for adult cats.

  PublisherDOI

• Green banana flour as a novel functional ingredient in retorted feline diets

  Journal of Animal Science · 2024-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Green banana flour (GBF) is a novel ingredient that is high in resistant starch and could be a dietary fiber source in companion animal nutrition. In addition, with its light brown color and pectin content, GBF could potentially serve as a natural color additive and thickening agent in pet food manufacturing. The purpose of this research is to evaluate different sources of GBF, the effect of GBF on texture and color in canned foods, and its effect on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentative end-products in healthy adult cats. Prior to the feline study, different sources of GBF were analyzed for chemical composition, manufacturing properties, true metabolizable energy, and fermentability. For the feline feeding trial, all treatment diets were formulated to meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) 2020. Official Publication. Champaign, IL.) guidelines for adult cat maintenance. There were five dietary treatments: rice control (4% rice flour), potato control (4% dehydrated potato flakes), 1% GBF (1% GBF and 3% rice flour), 2% GBF (2% GBF and 2% rice flour), and 4% GBF. All treatment diets were analyzed for texture and color. The animal study was conducted using a completely randomized design with 39 adult domestic cats. There was a 7-d diet adaptation period followed by a baseline fresh fecal collection to determine fecal score, pH, short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, indole, ammonia, and microbiota. The treatment period lasted for 21 d and a total fecal collection was performed during the last 4 d of this period to determine the ATTD. A fresh fecal sample was also collected during the total fecal collection to evaluate fecal score, pH, metabolites, and microbiota. The MIXED model procedures of SAS version 9.4 were used for statistical analysis. Treatment diets containing GBF had a lower hardness from the texture profile analysis (P < 0.05). For color analysis, the 4% GBF diet was darker in color compared with the rice diet (P < 0.05). There was no difference in food intake, fecal output, or ATTD of macronutrients among the treatment groups (P > 0.05). There was no interaction of treatment and time or main effects shown in fecal score, pH, metabolites, or microbiota diversity (P > 0.05). In conclusion, adding GBF to canned diets may affect the texture and color of the product, but GBF was comparable to traditional carbohydrate sources, rice, and potato, from a nutritional aspect.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The effects of chicken hydrolyzed proteins in extruded diets on plasma and fecal metabolic profiles in adult dogs

  Scientific Reports · 2024-12-30 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Research has shown various hydrolyzed proteins possessed beneficial physiological functions; however, the mechanism of how hydrolysates influence metabolism is unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effects of different sources of protein hydrolysates, being the main dietary protein source in extruded diets, on metabolism in healthy adult dogs. Three complete and balanced extruded canine diets were formulated: control chicken meal diet (CONd), chicken liver and heart hydrolysate diet (CLHd), mechanically separated chicken hydrolysate diet (CHd). A replicated 3 × 5 Latin rectangle design was used with 10 adult beagles. Within each period, the assigned diets were fed to the beagles for 28 days after a 7-day wash out period. Plasma and fresh fecal samples were collected at day 28. Samples of diets, plasma, and feces were analyzed for global metabolomics with ultra-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometer interfaced with a heated electrospray ionization source and mass analyzer. In general, there were lower fecal concentrations of dipeptides and protein degradation metabolites, indicating higher protein digestibility, in dogs fed protein hydrolysate diets in contrast with CONd (q < 0.05). Higher plasma pipecolate and glutamate, higher fecal spermidine and indole propionate, and lower phenol-derived products in both plasma and feces were found in CLHd group than CONd (q < 0.05), indicating lower oxidative stress and inflammation levels. The main difference in lipid metabolism between CHd and CONd was the bile acid metabolism, showing lower circulating bile acid, lower unconjugated bile acid excretion and higher taurine-conjugated bile acid excretion in the CHd group (q < 0.05). In conclusion, using chicken hydrolysates as the main protein source in extruded canine diets showed potential for physiological benefits in healthy adult dogs, especially protein hydrolysate from chicken heart and liver demonstrated effects on lowering inflammation and oxidation levels.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Kelly S. Swanson

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  47 shared

• Fei He

  Southern Medical University

  26 shared

• C.M. Parsons

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  21 shared

• Gary M Davenport

  Archer Daniels Midland (United States)

  21 shared

• P.L. Utterback

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  17 shared

• G. C. Fahey

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  15 shared

• Jolene M Hoke

  Archer Daniels Midland (United States)

  15 shared

• Patrícia M Oba

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  12 shared