Healthy Animals, Healthy Humans
Harnessing the microbiome for better livestock gut health
Dr. Hooman Derakhshani, Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, is exploring the natural gut microbiome, aiming to create the next generation of probiotics for livestock.
He has been awarded a Canada Foundation for Innovation, John Evans Leadership Fund grant to investigate the potential of natural gut compounds to replace the conventional antibiotics given to livestock. This research plays a crucial role in addressing growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and drug resistance pathogens in livestock.
Foodborne illness and antibiotic resistance
Foodborne illnesses caused by E. coli, Salmonella and other intestinal pathogens often lead to product recalls and serious health concerns for consumers. These pathogens are also common causes of intestinal infections in farm animals, resulting in diseases that can decrease farm productivity and profit. To control harmful bacteria, the livestock industry uses common antibiotics and antimicrobials to help keep their livestock healthy. However, researchers and producers are increasingly concerned because more animals, like humans, are growing resistant to these treatments, raising concerns for animal and human health.
Gut microorganisms, commonly referred to as the microbiome, help animals digest their food and produce natural compounds essential for maintaining healthy digestive and immune systems. A healthier animal gut microbiome will help maintain healthier herds.
“Good gut health is vital for overall wellness – both in humans and animals,” says Dr. Derakhshani. “Our goal is to advance sustainable livestock production and address the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance, while contributing to UM’s efforts to advancing sustainable livestock production systems.”
This work is particularly important with the global population projected reach 10 billion people by 2050. There is a corresponding need to increase global food production by 60% and meeting this target will be challenging unless livestock health and food security are addressed.
Next generation probiotics
Derakhshani will integrate cutting-edge techniques from microbiology and biochemistry to understand the mechanism within the gut that can enhance health and improve cattle’s ability to fight diseases naturally.
Once the mechanism within the gut is identified and understood, he will work to design the next generation of probiotics and other natural microbial products. He will devise strategies to integrate the new products into livestock herds, with the goal of improving herd health and reducing reliance on traditional antimicrobials.
This research aligns with the One Health approach that recognizes the deep connection between humans, animals and environmental health. Derakhshani plans for these new therapies to be environmentally friendly and cost effective to prevent infectious diseases in livestock and provide sustainable and healthy food for humans.
“Congratulations to Dr. Derakhshani on his new funding to help accelerate this important research program,” says Dr. Mario Pinto, UM Vice-President, Research and International. “His work will enhance UM’s commitment to long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the livestock sector in Canada and will help assure food security into the future.”
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.