ANSC 3607

Ruminant Microbiology

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

ANSC 3607/5607 examines microorganisms associated with the gastrointestinal tract and other microbial systems relevant to ruminant production and health. Emphasis is placed on gastrointestinal microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, protozoa, fungi, and DNA and RNA viruses, and their roles in fermentation, nutrient utilization, and host-microbe interactions. The course also covers microorganisms associated with important ruminant diseases, including mastitis, metritis, and bovine respiratory disease. The course integrates foundational concepts with recent advances in ruminant microbiology driven by high-throughput sequencing, omics technologies, and computational approaches.

Prerequisites ANSC 2210 or BIOMG 2800 or permission of instructor.

Distribution Requirements (DLG-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the major microbial groups associated with the ruminant gastrointestinal tract and other important microbial systems relevant to animal health.
• Explain the physiology, metabolism, and ecological interactions of microorganisms involved in ruminal fermentation, nutrient utilization, and host health.
• Describe the roles of microorganisms in economically important ruminant diseases, including mastitis, metritis, and bovine respiratory disease.
• Interpret how diet, management, host physiology, and environmental factors influence microbial communities and their functions.
• Evaluate contemporary approaches used to characterize microbial communities, including cultivation, sequencing, multi-omics, and bioinformatics.
• Critically analyze primary scientific literature and communicate scientific findings related to ruminant microbiology.

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