The Equine Microbiome: Pandora’s Box? Or a practical tool for the practitioner?

Live Webinar: Wednesday, January 15, Noon - 1 pm

The equine microbiome is a fascinating and fast-moving area of scientific research. Equine practitioners are under constant bombardment from horse owners with questions and concerns, and feed companies with sales pitches and products. This discussion will ground us in our understanding of the equine microbiome and present new research on its role in equine health and performance.

Speaker

Robert D. Jacobs, MS, PhD
Dr. Robert Jacobs is the Equine Innovation Manager at Purina Animal Nutrition. Robert earned his BS and MS in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida where his research focused on the role of amino acid supplementation on uterine blood flow and fluid clearance during the estrous cycle. He completed his PhD in equine reproductive physiology and nutrition at Virginia Tech where his research investigated the role of omega-3 supplementation on the equine uterine environment and early pregnancy in obese, metabolically compromised horses. His work has been published in the Journal of Animal Science, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Translational Animal Science, and the Journal of General and Comparative Endocrinology, in addition to authoring multiple popular press articles. He has guest-lectured at multiple universities and veterinary schools and presented at various scientific conferences around the US and Canada. Additionally, Robert maintains an active involvement in both the Equine Science Society, and the American Society of Animal Science. Currently, Robert also serves as the Chair-Elect of the American Feed Industry Association Equine Committee. In his role at Purina, Robert manages a team of people to conduct innovative research focused on producing nutritional products for horses. Robert’s research at Purina focuses on palatability and eating behavior, gastrointestinal physiology, microbiome studies, exercise physiology, and growth and development in horses. Robert manages research at the equine unit of the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, MO, a 300-acre facility home to over 80 horses ranging in age from newborn to 30 years. Robert has worked for Purina Animal Nutrition for 10 years.