Phillip R Myer
Specialization: Rumen Microbiology
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. Also, the type and volume of feedstuffs consumed affect the nutritional supply to the GIT microbes, the end products synthesized, and the subsequent nutrients absorbed by the host. Examination of each major factor, from diet to microbiota, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of ruminant nutrition, which impacts livestock production systems, resource consumption, and the economic viability of agricultural enterprises.
Dr. Myer's research program is primarily focused on the 1) microbiological and molecular mechanisms explaining differences in feed efficiency and overall nutrition of grazing beef cattle, and 2) establishment of the rumen microbiome and its effects on growing beef cattle. Efforts to address these research interests include strategies focusing on the relationships between the microbial populations of the GIT and diet, management, and host genetics using physiological, molecular, and microbiological techniques and measurements. Ultimately, these data will be used to improve the nutritional status of ruminants, specifically with regard to feed efficiency, which has the potential to benefit the agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors.
Honors
- 2023 Outstanding Early Career Animal Scientist Award - Research; ASAS-Southern Section
- 2021 T.J. Whatley Distinguished Young Scientist Award
- 2020 Gamma Sigma Delta Research Award
- 2018 Buford Ellington Faculty Award (<10 yrs service)
- 2018 William T. Miles, M.D., Memorial Award for Community Service
Dr. Myer's Work Featured in Retaking the Field
Best Practices in 16S Microbiome Studies
Recent News
- Phillip Myer Receives Outstanding Early Career Animal Scientist Award in Research
- Phillip Myer Honored with T.J. Whatley Young Scientist Award
- Is the Gut Biome a Heritable Trait?
- The importance of measuring feed efficiency in bred heifers - Progressive Cattle
For More Information
Cattle Gut Microbe Series
Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology
Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology and Ruminology
2506 River Dr
Knoxville, TN 37996-4574
- Doctorate, Microbiology, General, Purdue Univ West Lafayette*, 2013
- BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Bradley University, 2008
Phillip R Myer
2506 River Dr
Knoxville, TN 37996-4574
- Doctorate, Microbiology, General, Purdue Univ West Lafayette*, 2013
- BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Bradley University, 2008
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. Also, the type and volume of feedstuffs consumed affect the nutritional supply to the GIT microbes, the end products synthesized, and the subsequent nutrients absorbed by the host. Examination of each major factor, from diet to microbiota, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of ruminant nutrition, which impacts livestock production systems, resource consumption, and the economic viability of agricultural enterprises.
Dr. Myer's research program is primarily focused on the 1) microbiological and molecular mechanisms explaining differences in feed efficiency and overall nutrition of grazing beef cattle, and 2) establishment of the rumen microbiome and its effects on growing beef cattle. Efforts to address these research interests include strategies focusing on the relationships between the microbial populations of the GIT and diet, management, and host genetics using physiological, molecular, and microbiological techniques and measurements. Ultimately, these data will be used to improve the nutritional status of ruminants, specifically with regard to feed efficiency, which has the potential to benefit the agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors.
Honors
- 2023 Outstanding Early Career Animal Scientist Award - Research; ASAS-Southern Section
- 2021 T.J. Whatley Distinguished Young Scientist Award
- 2020 Gamma Sigma Delta Research Award
- 2018 Buford Ellington Faculty Award (<10 yrs service)
- 2018 William T. Miles, M.D., Memorial Award for Community Service
Dr. Myer's Work Featured in Retaking the Field
Best Practices in 16S Microbiome Studies
Recent News
- Phillip Myer Receives Outstanding Early Career Animal Scientist Award in Research
- Phillip Myer Honored with T.J. Whatley Young Scientist Award
- Is the Gut Biome a Heritable Trait?
- The importance of measuring feed efficiency in bred heifers - Progressive Cattle
For More Information
Cattle Gut Microbe Series
Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology
Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology and Ruminology