Gastrointestinal Nematode Diversity in Farm Animals Measured with a DNA-Based Test
Official title: Exploration of Gastrointestinal Nematode Diversity in Ruminants Using Nemabiome Metabarcoding
Funded at Tuskegee University · NIH-11529129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at measuring the variety of gut worms in sheep, goats, and cattle using a new DNA-based method to improve how we detect and manage infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tuskegee University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuskegee Institute, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $92,525 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008931-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11529129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are ruminant livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) farmed at the Tuskegee University Research Farm.
✕Less likely to help
Livestock that do not have parasitic infections or are outside the study’s setting may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project will build a molecular test at Tuskegee University to identify different GI nematodes in farm animals. We will collect fecal samples from the university’s sheep, goats, and cattle, extract DNA, and use targeted DNA markers to reveal which nematode species are present. The data will be analyzed with bioinformatics to map nematode diversity and inform better, more precise treatments. The goal is to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum drugs and support safe, drug-free meat options for consumers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could lead to more accurate diagnoses of nematode infections and help reduce drug use while ensuring animal health and safe meat products.
How similar studies have gone: Similar DNA-based approaches have shown promise in identifying parasite communities in other animals, but this is a focused application for U.S. farm ruminants.
Where this research is happening
-
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee Institute, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdelmageed, Yazeed M. — Tuskegee University
- Study coordinator: Abdelmageed, Yazeed M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.