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. 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​

New Published Book! Tiny Microbes, Big Yields​


Recent News

For More Information

Cattle Gut Microbe Series


Research Focus

Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology

Teaching Focus

Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology and Ruminology

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. 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​

New Published Book! Tiny Microbes, Big Yields​


Recent News

For More Information

Cattle Gut Microbe Series


Research Focus

Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology

Teaching Focus

Beef Cattle Rumen Microbiology and Ruminology

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.