I first heard about the microbiome, the collection of unique bacteria that inhabit the skin and digestive system of each human and animal, about 10 years ago, when Fred Madsen, Ph.D., a consultant, discussed it at a seminar held by Trouw Nutrition USA. The information was very complex yet utterly fascinating. At that point, research on the microbiome was in its early stages. Fast forward to today, and it’s developing at a blistering pace, especially studies on the gut microbiome.
The microbiome is still fascinating. Consider: The human gut microbiome is 150 times larger than the genome, can account for up to 2 kg of our body weight, comprises a complex community of microbes containing 100 trillion cells and actually has more viruses than bacteria (a 5:1 ratio).
Those numbers came from Richard Murphy, Ph.D., research director for Alltech European Bioscience, during a December 2019 webinar. “The gut microbiome is almost like an additional organ, with distinct metabolic and immune activity,” he said. “It is believed 90% of disease can in some way be linked back to gut health and the microbiome.”
Recent research by Murphy and others at Alltech – including his co-presenters, Rebecca Delles, Ph.D., research scientist, and Juan Gomez Basauri, Ph.D., global director for companion animals – has looked at using specific ingredients to enhance microbial diversity in dogs’ guts, reduce pathogen load and inflammation. This and others’ research promises to, one day soon, help us all understand how to best feed each pet for its unique, optimum health.
Note: Gomez will present with two other microbiome experts during a roundtable at Petfood Forum 2020, now scheduled for August 19-21, while Justin Shmalberg, DVM, DACVN, chief nutrition officer, and Ryan Honaker, Ph.D., director of microbiology, for NomNomNow will also speak about how they use their pet food subscription service to gather and analyze microbiome-related information about their customers’ pets.
Watch for new insights here
Starting with the May 2020 issue of Petfood Industry, please look for this column within the next few pages. Lindsay Beaton, our highly accomplished managing editor, is now editor of the magazine and will share her thoughts on this page going forward.
