Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
This application seeks support for custom-built rearing isolators to house germ-free and gnotobiotic lambs, facilitating crucial research in ruminant microbiome dynamics. The isolators, designed based on literature and consultation with experts, will meet regulatory standards and enable easy cleaning. The grant will complement existing equipment, allowing comprehensive study of the microbiome's role in ruminant health and production efficiency. Research areas enabled by the equipment include understanding rumen microbial composition, improving intestinal health, and investigating the female reproductive tract microbiome's influence on reproductive success. Utilizing multidisciplinary expertise, the project aims to uncover causal relationships within the microbiome and develop strategies for enhancing ruminant production efficiency.
Animal Health Component
10%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
90%
Applied
10%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
This application seeks support for custom-built rearing isolators to house germ-free and gnotobiotic lambs, facilitating crucial research in ruminant microbiome dynamics. The isolators, designed based on literature and consultation with experts, will meet regulatory standards and enable easy cleaning. The grant will complement existing equipment, allowing comprehensive study of the microbiome's role in ruminant health and production efficiency. Research areas enabled by the equipment include understanding rumen microbial composition, improving intestinal health, and investigating the female reproductive tract microbiome's influence on reproductive success. Utilizing multidisciplinary expertise, the project aims to uncover causal relationships within the microbiome and develop strategies for enhancing ruminant production efficiency.
Project Methods
In this funding request, we are seeking support for custom-built rearing isolators (n = 9) intended for housing germ-free and gnotobiotic lambs. Germ-free animals lack all microbes, including those typically present in the digestive system, while gnotobiotic animals are generated as germ-free and are then exposed to specific microbes of interest. Due to the lack of commercially available units for lambs (and small farm animals), these isolators will be constructed based on the established literature. Each isolator will be comprised of a sectional stainless-steel pen measuring 125 × 64 × 94 cm, enclosed by a polypropylene canopy. The pen will repose on a custom hydraulic table cart, designed for easy relocation and efficient work processes. Within the pen, provisions will include a water bowl and a J-type feeder. Three pairs of sleeves and gloves will be located on both sides of the canopy; their localization will facilitate handling the animals and sample collection. The isolator will feature HEPA filters (1 intake and 2 exhaust), a blower, and LED lights. The isolator design meets the currently legislation for housing animals for agricultural research. These isolators were designed to make cleaning and decontamination easy, ensuring the microbial integrity of the units is maintained. We have reached out to four companies to manufacture the proposed equipment.