The Beef Podcast Show - #28 - The Microbial Architects of Sustainable Beef: Decoding the Rumen Microbiome

Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the interactions between a host and their microbials is crucial for comprehending the complex relationship between cattle and their gut microbiota. Shedding light on how microbes contribute to the overall health and well-being of cattle is a major topic of interest, since several important traits in beef can be influenced by gut microbial ecology and harnessing their potential can help optimize feeding strategies, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall productivity. In this episode, Dr. Leluo Guan discusses the work and research she has done on bovine "omics" and "microbes" and how it is crucial to understanding these key topics.

What you’ll learn:

1. Rumen microbiology, functional genomics, and feed efficiency

2. Selection criteria of beef cattle 

3. Direct-fed microbials

4. Dam vs sire: influence on the microbial population of calves

5. Early life gut microbiome

6. Microbiota and immunity

7. Omics

8. Mentoring of graduate students

Meet the guest

Dr. Leluo Guan

Experience

     ○ Current: Professor of Functional Genomics and Microbiology in the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Science at the University of Alberta

     ○ Past: Associate Dean of Graduate studies in the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Science at the University of Alberta

Background

     ○ Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Science (Kyoto University)

     ○ M.Sc., Pharmaceutical Science (Kyoto University)

     ○ B.Sc., Microbiology (Wuhan University)

    Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn