The technology that most people associate with -omics technologies is the dna sequencing instrumentation that now enables a human genome to be sequenced in a matter of hours at a cost that approaches $1000. This compares with the first human genome project, which cost in the region of $10 billion and took 10 years to achieve. Such sequencing power, which derives in large part from development of laser and fluorophore technology, enables us to contemplate undertaking as a common procedure the sequencing of all dna present in a complex microbial ecosystem such as the rumen, and to compare different samples readily using computer power that has advanced out of recognition at the same time. The aim of this paper is to point the way forward to practicaloutcomes of this transformation in microbiological capability.
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