TLMR Lab logo TLMR Lab Translational Livestock Microbiome Research
Research

Research Programs

Our lab investigates three core pillars of microbiome science to improve livestock health and sustainability.

01

Microbiome & Host Health

Goal: To understand how early-life microbial colonization shapes the immune system in swine and ruminants.

We are investigating:

  • The "window of opportunity" for gut colonization in piglets.
  • How maternal diet influences the offspring's microbiome (maternal imprinting).
  • Development of synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) to reduce scouring and improve weaning transitions.
02

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Goal: To map and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock environments.

We use metagenomics to study:

  • The "resistome" of cattle and swine manure.
  • How manure treatment methods (composting, anaerobic digestion) affect ARG persistence.
  • The role of plasmids in transferring resistance between environmental and pathogenic bacteria.
03

Sustainability & Methane Mitigation

Goal: To reduce the environmental footprint of livestock production.

Current projects include:

  • Characterizing the rumen microbiome of high- vs. low-methane emitting cattle.
  • Testing feed additives (e.g., biochar, tannins) that inhibit methanogens without hurting digestion.
  • Using multi-omics to discover novel biomarkers for feed efficiency.
Featured resource

Rumen Biobank Construction

As a key component of our mitigation strategy, we are isolating and characterizing novel rumen microbes to build a comprehensive biobank of strains and genomes.

Anaerobic culture plate 1
Anaerobic culture plate 2
Anaerobic culture plate 3
Anaerobic culture plate 4
Anaerobic culture plate 5

Examples of anaerobic culture plates showing diverse microbial morphology.

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Interested in our work?

Browse our publications or get in touch to discuss collaborations, student projects, and industry partnerships.

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Our research is supported by

Canada Foundation for Innovation NSERC Mitacs Research Manitoba Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Western Dairy Council