1 Microbiomes from Theory to Application

Abstract

Abstract Microbiome research has gained significant momentum in the last decade. Although many studies have investigated livestock microbiome to improve animal health and productivity, only a few microbiome manipulation approaches are currently used in the industry. This is partly due to the limited understanding of livestock microbiome and how such knowledge can be applied to improve animal health and performance. Additionally, the potential role of the microbiome is poorly characterized, limiting the opportunities available to improve animal health and productivity through microbiome manipulation. Here we describe and demonstrate how current microbiome theory such as “colonization history” can be utilized to establish beneficial microbiomes in livestock species. Our data suggest that the sow microbiome greatly impacts the early microbiome establishment in piglets and represents as much as 67% of the community even after 21 days following birth. This suggests early colonization provides unique opportunities to establish “beneficial” microbiomes. Additionally, we describe how microbiome-wide association studies (MWAS) can be used to quantify the microbial role in animal performance using a cattle population consisting of more than 750 animals. Finally, we describe how livestock animal models can be used to understand key concepts of microbial establishment and how such models can be used to investigate the human microbiome using germ free pig models. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.