The Genetics Behind the Microbiome: Predicting Performance with Microbes with Dr. Andrew Lakamp (Pt.2)

About this episode

This episode explores the impact of the microbiome on livestock breeding decisions with Dr. Andrew Lakamp.

Join us for another deep-dive episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, as we continue exploring one of the most exciting frontiers in livestock science: the microbiome. In Part 2, Emily is again joined by livestock geneticist Dr. Andrew (Drew) Lakamp to look beyond what the microbiome is and focus on what it can do for breeding decisions. In this episode, we dig into how an animal’s genetics influence the microbes in their gut and eye, what “microbiome-mediated genetic effects” actually mean, and how genome + metagenome data could improve breeding value predictions. We also unpack practical questions for industry: When should samples be collected? How do sequencing methods differ? And could microbiome data one day be incorporated into EBVs and selection indexes? Whether you’re a producer, advisor, researcher, or simply curious about where the next decade of breeding innovation is heading, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of microbes as measurable, selectable traits. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics, or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpird.nsw.gov.au This information is for educational purposes…

People in this episode

Host: Emily Johnston

Guest: Dr. Andrew Lakamp

Topics covered

• microbiome
• livestock genetics
• breeding decisions
• genome data
• metagenome data
• animal performance

Keywords

• microbiome
• livestock
• genetics
• breeding
• genome
• metagenome
• EBVs
• selection indexes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

More episodes of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily

• Inside the Merino Wether Trials: Benchmarking Bloodlines with Dr. Sue Hatcher and Phil Graham · December 8, 2025 · 40 min
• The Genetics Behind the Microbiome: Why Your Livestock’s Microbes Matter with Dr. Andrew Lakamp (PT. 1) · October 26, 2025 · 21 min
• Gene Editing in Livestock: What, Why, and What’s Next? with Dr. Gus McFarlane · June 9, 2025 · 31 min
• 30 Years of Proof: Why Muscular Cows Mean More Meat, More Profit with Dr Linda Cafe and Brett Littler · April 6, 2025 · 37 min
• Double Trouble or Double Profit? The Science of Twinning in Cattle with Dr. Leo Cummins · March 2, 2025 · 30 min
• Wrinkles, Weather, and Wool: The Genetics of Breech Strike in Merinos with Tracie Bird-Gardiner · February 2, 2025 · 21 min