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The QCF Group

Founded in 1998 at the Department of Animal Science of ESALQ/USP, the Forage Quality and Conservation Group (QCF) has established itself as a global reference in ruminant nutrition and forage preservation. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Luiz Gustavo Nussio, the group focuses on the complex biological and chemical processes involved in silage and hay production.

Our infrastructure includes state-of-the-art laboratories for physico-microbiological characterization and high-performance chromatography (HPLC), alongside experimental stations that allow for real-world validation of forage additives and aerobic stability.

A Scientific Legacy: ISFQC

The QCF is the founding organizer of the International Symposium on Forage Quality and Conservation (ISFQC). The first edition was held in 2009, followed by successful biennial editions until 2019.

A major milestone in our history occurred in 2015, when the IV ISFQC was held jointly with the XVII International Silage Conference (ISC), marking a historic collaboration that brought the global silage research community to Brazil.

✨ After a hiatus, we are proud to announce that the symposium is returning in 2026 for its VII edition, continuing our mission to advance sustainable livestock systems through superior forage management.

Today, the QCF comprises a diverse team of post-doctoral researchers, PhD and Master’s candidates, and undergraduate students, all committed to excellence in research and education.

Current Members

Prof. Dr. Luiz Gustavo Nussio

Professor at ESALQ-USP

Annelise Lobo

Postdoctorate at ESALQ-USP

Álvaro Bernardo da Silva Neto

PhD candidate at ESALQ-USP

Antonio Pereira de Barros Neto

PhD candidate at ESALQ-USP

Heitor Marins Nunes

M.Sc. student at ESALQ/USP

Diogo Panhoca Rodrigues

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

João Carlos Radicchi Capelari

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

Gabriel Chehoud Ottaño da Rosa

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

Victor Gennaro Mondelli

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

Bettania Areli Ayala Jara Silva

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

Enrico Paschoaletto Calicchio

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

Gustavo Walter Bastos

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

Anna Luiza dos Santos Cury

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP

Martin Henrique de Moura Galaz

Undergraduate – ESALQ/USP