Dr. Samat Amat,

is an Assistant Professor in Livestock Microbial Ecology at the Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University (NDSU), Fargo, United States.

My history starts on a farm and that is still where my roots are.

  • Born and grew up in Korla, Xinjiang, in the northwestern (very rural) part of China.
  • Small mixed farm where we raised cattle, sheep, chickens, along with an orchard of pears, and fields of cotton.

Prior to my current posting in the USA, I have studied around the world:

  • a BSc. in Animal Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, China started my education journey.
  • MSc degree(s) in Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, and in Large Animal Clinical Science, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
  • a PhD degree in Microbiology through the University of Calgary, and Agriculture Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Developmental Center, Alberta, Canada in 2019.
  • and Postdoctoral training in Animal Microbiome at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

My current research program at NDSU focuses on the practical application of livestock microbiome research to see improved animal health and production.  The research is multidisciplinary and includes:

  • Studying the role of the maternal bovine microbiome in developmental programming.
  • Developing reproductive microbiome-targeted treatments to improve cattle fertility.
  • Using antibiotic alternatives to combat bacterial pathogens associated with cattle respiratory disease and liver abscesses.

My research techniques include basic microbiology and advanced molecular biology/bioinformatics.

Overall, I have research experience with the specific microbiomes in the:

  • bovine gut
  • respiratory tract
  • reproductive tract
  • oculus – pink eye in cattle

I have working experience with cattle, sheep, pigs, and mice (germ-free and conventional).

My primary assets are my:

  • Multidisciplinary research background with deep knowledge of:
    • animal science
    • ruminant nutrition
    • microbiology
  • Multinational educational background (China, Canada and USA)

My deep exploration of the livestock microbiome has prompted me to create this Livestock Microbiome website.

It is my passion to contribute to sustainable livestock production. I want to help producers raise a better product with less waste and lower inputs. I want to help the consumers enjoy a better and safer product at an affordable price. Last, but certainly not least in this new era, I want to make ecological thinking and practice part of our entire food chain.

Farmers need a change, Consumers need a change and the Earth needs a change. By getting all the new Microbiome research out of the lab and into the fields and feedlots, we CAN make a change that will benefit everyone. I invite you to come along with me on this journey of discovery and improvement.