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

• 2024 W.S. Overton Faculty Award of Merit; Herbert College of Agriculture
• 2024 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Teaching Award of Merit
• 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: USDA-NIFA Funded Work

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
• Prepping mama cows for the last trimester - Working Ranch Magazine
• UTIA study to examine how feed efficiency could further enhance beef production - Beef Magazine

For More Information

• ResearchGate
• UT Beef & Forage Center
• Google Scholar Information

Cattle Gut Microbe Series

• W905: Lactobacillus species
• W938: Ruminococcus species
• Trueperella pyogenes