Research Project Summary

Inside a cow’s four compartment stomach exists a microscopic microbial world all centered around the rumen. Here we can find four major classes of microbes working together to provide the cow with up to 70% of their energy and serve as their main source of high-quality protein. What happens when we try to optimize these questions? In Dr. Godstime-Taiwo’s lab, we want to test how probiotic supplementation modulates rumen health. More specifically, how does the addition of Lactobacillus reuteri change the rumen microbiota? And what are the functions by which these microbes work? Decoding rumen genetics protects human food safety.

Video

Watch Annette discuss her research project.