Angus Foundation research grants in action

Brianna Maslen – Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Project Title: Evaluate whether microorganisms in rectal faecal samples can be profiled in order to identify their relationship with 1. Immune response 2. Growth performance 3. Meat Quality

Brianna Maslen, a PhD student at Charles Sturt University, is working on a project focused on investigating the relationship between relative abundance of different microorganisms in rectal faecal samples taken from Angus calves. Brianna is being supported in her project by an Angus Foundation Research Grant, and by data generated through the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program. The faecal microbial profiles are indicative of the distribution of microorganisms in the hind gut, which in turn have been shown to influence growth performance and immunity of beef cattle. Brianna aims to investigate whether the faecal microbial profiles of cattle with high or low weight gain; or high or low immune responses, are significantly different. She has collected and sequenced ~450 faecal samples from Angus weaners and an additional ~60 samples from yearling steers. Preliminary analyses indicates that there are indeed significant differences between faecal profiles of Angus yearling steers with high and low growth rates (See figure below).