Person

Phillip R Myer

Associate Professor | Animal Science

Specialization: Rumen Microbiology

Overview

The nutritional status of beef cattle and other ruminants is influenced by many factors, including diet, management, host genetics, and the diverse symbiotic microbiota colonizing the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Overall, nutrition is determined by a complex interplay of these factors. For example, host genetics may influence the diversity and content of the GIT microbiome, which in turn may affect the efficiency of feed utilization. Additionally, the type and volume of feedstuffs consumed play a significant role in supplying nutrients to these GIT microbes, affecting the compounds they produce and, ultimately, the nutrients absorbed by the animal. By examining each of these key factors, from diet to microbiota, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of ruminant nutrition. This understanding has broad implications, influencing livestock production methods, resource consumption, and the overall sustainability of agricultural operations.

Dr. Myer's research program is primarily focused on the 1) microbiological and molecular mechanisms explaining differences in feed efficiency, enteric emissions, and overall nutrition of grazing beef cattle, and 2) development of the rumen microbiome and how it impacts the growth of beef cattle. These research objectives are pursued through a range of strategies that investigate the connections among microbial communities within the GIT and factors such as diet, management, and the genetics of the host animals.

Honors

  • 2023 Outstanding Early Career Animal Scientist Award - Research; ASAS-Southern Section
  • 2023 Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award; Herbert College of Agriculture
  • 2021 T.J. Whatley Distinguished Young Scientist Award; UTIA AgResearch
  • 2020 Gamma Sigma Delta Research Award; UTIA
  • 2018 Buford Ellington Faculty Award (<10 yrs service)
  • 2018 William T. Miles, M.D., Memorial Award for Community Service; UTIA

Dr. Myer's Work Featured in Retaking the Field​

Best Practices in 16S Microbiome Studies​

New Research Spotlight


Recent News

For More Information

Cattle Gut Microbe Series


Research Focus

  • Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology
  • Host-Microbiome Interactions
  • Beef Cattle Feed Efficiency
  • Mitigation of Enteric Methane Emissions in Ruminants
Teaching Focus

  • Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology and Ruminology
  • Best Practices for Dynamic Scientific Presentations
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
ANSC 515 - Special Topics
1 - 4 credit hours

Instructor-initiated course to be offered on topics of current interest.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Prado, Tulio M. | Eckelkamp, Liz | Edwards, J. Lannett | Mason, Katie | Tabler, Tom | Ivey, Jennie

ANSC 635 - Ruminology
3 credit hour(s)

Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology of rumen ecosystem: microbial fermentation and metabolism of polysaccharides, lipids and nitrogen.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

ANSC 696 - Seminar on Advanced Topics in Animal Science
1 credit hour(s)

Advanced topics in animal science. Required of all first- and second-year MS and PhD students.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 4 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

Picture of Phillip R Myer
355 Brehm Animal Science Building
2506 River Dr
Knoxville, TN 37996-4574
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Microbiology, General, Purdue Univ West Lafayette*, 2013
  • BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Bradley University, 2008

Phillip R Myer

Associate Professor | Animal Science
Picture of Phillip R Myer image
355 Brehm Animal Science Building
2506 River Dr
Knoxville, TN 37996-4574
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Microbiology, General, Purdue Univ West Lafayette*, 2013
  • BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Bradley University, 2008
Overview

The nutritional status of beef cattle and other ruminants is influenced by many factors, including diet, management, host genetics, and the diverse symbiotic microbiota colonizing the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Overall, nutrition is determined by a complex interplay of these factors. For example, host genetics may influence the diversity and content of the GIT microbiome, which in turn may affect the efficiency of feed utilization. Additionally, the type and volume of feedstuffs consumed play a significant role in supplying nutrients to these GIT microbes, affecting the compounds they produce and, ultimately, the nutrients absorbed by the animal. By examining each of these key factors, from diet to microbiota, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of ruminant nutrition. This understanding has broad implications, influencing livestock production methods, resource consumption, and the overall sustainability of agricultural operations.

Dr. Myer's research program is primarily focused on the 1) microbiological and molecular mechanisms explaining differences in feed efficiency, enteric emissions, and overall nutrition of grazing beef cattle, and 2) development of the rumen microbiome and how it impacts the growth of beef cattle. These research objectives are pursued through a range of strategies that investigate the connections among microbial communities within the GIT and factors such as diet, management, and the genetics of the host animals.

Honors

  • 2023 Outstanding Early Career Animal Scientist Award - Research; ASAS-Southern Section
  • 2023 Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award; Herbert College of Agriculture
  • 2021 T.J. Whatley Distinguished Young Scientist Award; UTIA AgResearch
  • 2020 Gamma Sigma Delta Research Award; UTIA
  • 2018 Buford Ellington Faculty Award (<10 yrs service)
  • 2018 William T. Miles, M.D., Memorial Award for Community Service; UTIA

Dr. Myer's Work Featured in Retaking the Field​

Best Practices in 16S Microbiome Studies​

New Research Spotlight


Recent News

For More Information

Cattle Gut Microbe Series


Research Focus

  • Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology
  • Host-Microbiome Interactions
  • Beef Cattle Feed Efficiency
  • Mitigation of Enteric Methane Emissions in Ruminants
Teaching Focus

  • Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology and Ruminology
  • Best Practices for Dynamic Scientific Presentations
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
ANSC 515 - Special Topics
1 - 4 credit hours

Instructor-initiated course to be offered on topics of current interest.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Prado, Tulio M. | Eckelkamp, Liz | Edwards, J. Lannett | Mason, Katie | Tabler, Tom | Ivey, Jennie

ANSC 635 - Ruminology
3 credit hour(s)

Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology of rumen ecosystem: microbial fermentation and metabolism of polysaccharides, lipids and nitrogen.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

ANSC 696 - Seminar on Advanced Topics in Animal Science
1 credit hour(s)

Advanced topics in animal science. Required of all first- and second-year MS and PhD students.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 4 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.