During her PhD studies, Xiaoxing Ye explored the complex relationships between host genetics, the rumen microbiome, and methane emissions in dairy cattle. By integrating multi-omics approaches, including genomic prediction, network analysis, and various advanced sequencing techniques (16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics sequencing), Xiaoxing Ye aimed to enhance the understanding of rumen microbiome composition and its role in methane emission prediction.

The research identified that host genetics significantly influence methane emissions, with microbial interactions involving key taxa such as Methanobrevibacter and Prevotella playing important roles. Metagenomics sequencing further revealed more comprehensive views of taxonomic resolution and functional potential of the rumen microbiome.

The PhD study was completed at Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Monday, 16 June 2025 at 9:00.
Place: Building 1110, room 223, Lecture Theatre,  Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 8 , 8000 Aarhus C. 
Title of PhD thesis: Rumen microbiome sequencing method and quantification strategy of methane emission prediction.
Contact information: Xiaoxing Ye, e-mail: xiaoxing.ye@qgg.au.dk, tel.: +45 81930597
Members of the assessment committee:
Associate Professor Antton Alberdi, Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Senior Researcher Oscar Gonzalez-Recio, Department of Animal Breeding, INIA National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Spain
Professor Luc Janss (chair), Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor: Professor Morgens Sandø Lund, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Associate professor Zexi Cai, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defense is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.