#192 - Dr. Francesco Tiezzi: The pig microbiome through the lens of a geneticist

Research on the pig microbiome has been increasing over the years and providing exciting results that enable us to move forward as a global industry. As such a complex and multidisciplinary subject, the pig microbiome has been studied by nutritionists, veterinarians, microbiologists, among other professionals, each field adding new layers to that discussion. How about the geneticists? In today’s episode, we have a great talk with Dr. Francesco Tiezzi, an animal breeding and genetics specialist. Dr. Tiezzi shares his perspective on what the microbiome means as well as the relationships between the microbiome and genetics. He also shares his recent findings on using microbiome information in selection.

What you’ll learn:

1. What the microbiome is

2. Microbiome and genetic population

3. How pigs react differently to feed additives

4. What traits can be most influenced by the microbiome

5. The microbiome of an individual pig

Meet the guest:

Dr. Francesco Tiezzi

Experience

• Current: Senior Researcher in Animal Breeding and Genetics (equivalent to an Assistant Professor) in the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI) of the University of Florence (Italy)
• Past: Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science (North-Carolina State University)

Background

• Doctorate, Animal Science (University of Padua)
• First-level degree, Animal Husbandry (University of Florence)
• First-level degree, Agricultural Science and Technology (University of Florence)

Hobbies: small-scale farming (to the extent that I can do it as a hobby) and reading (as much as I can at the beginning of an academic career).

Favorite Book: Psiche & Techne, by Umberto Galimberti – it's about how technology and our minds relate to each other...

Favorite quote: "Don't worry about the future, but try to become firm and clear in spirit, because your happiness doesn't depend on your destiny but on how you will deal with it." – G. W. F. Hegel
Success tip: Who's got no brains shall have legs. – Tuscan proverb (if you can't think ahead of something, you'll have to fix it afterwards).

Connect with our guest on Social Media: Facebook