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Project title

Expansion, analysis and utilisation of the Hungate rumen microbial culture collection

Primary Funding Agency

DAFM

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University of Galway

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Ruminants possess a diverse symbiotic microbiota in their rumen that helps them to efficiently extract energy from fibrous foods compared to other herbivores. This makes them an important source of food, providing meat, milk, and other products for human consumption. However, ruminants are also responsible for a significant amount of methane emissions, which contribute to climate change. To address this challenge, it is crucial to understand the function of the rumen microbiome. The Hungate1000 culture collection has played a key role in expanding our knowledge of the rumen microbiome, providing a genetic catalogue of over 500 microbial species. However, there is still evident knowledge gaps about the microbiome's role in ruminant nutrition and methane emissions. Whilst, the initial Hungate collection significantly impacted follow-on scientific research, little systematic effort has been made to cultivate new isolates that are essential for advancing our understanding of the rumen microbiome based on the available genetic information. Additionally, many cultures were not sequenced as part of the initial Hungate collection, which means important information is still missing from the existing known isolates. To address these gaps, this project aims to expand on the knowledge by analysing further rumen samples from around the world. By culturing and sequencing new microbial isolates and characterising phenotypes, this project will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the rumen microbiome and its relationship with ruminant nutrition and methane emissions. In addition, the analysis of samples from different regions, animal phenotypes and nutrition programmes will allow links to be made between microbial isolates and ruminant production systems alongside end-product quality. This will enable the development of new technologies and practices to support efficient global food production while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant livestock.

Grant Approved

�254,744.86

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

1. Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/07/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/07/2027