Unlock the Microbiome with Metagenomics

The only sequencing method that identifies all the microbes in a sample by analysing entire genomes.

Sequencing DNA

Metagenomics works by sequencing DNA — the genetic blueprint found in every living organism. By extracting and sequencing all DNA in a sample, metagenomics captures the full biological content of the environment being analysed.

DNA Measured in Bases

DNA is made up of four bases (A, T, C, and G). Metagenomic sequencing reads millions to billions of these bases, creating detailed genetic data that reflects the true complexity of microbial communities.

Detecting All Microbes

Because metagenomics sequences all DNA, it can detect every microbe present — including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and archaea. This includes unknown or unexpected microbes, without needing prior assumptions or targeted primers.

Aquaculture Relevance

Our metagenomics reports show which microbes are present, their relative abundance, and their relevance to aquaculture. This transforms raw genetic data into actionable insights for health management, water quality, and production performance.

When You Need the Full Picture

Traditional diagnostics act like a flashlight, they illuminate only what you point them at. Metagenomics uses a floodlight, revealing the entire microbial landscape at once.

By removing targeting bias, untargeted detection identifies:

Emerging or unexpected pathogens
Opportunistic microbes that signal imbalance
Beneficial microbes that support stability

The Metagenomics Workflow

1. Sample Collection

Water, mucus, or biofilm samples are collected to represent the microbiome interacting with livestock.

2. Sequencing

All DNA in the sample is extracted and sequenced without amplification using Oxford Nanopore technology, ensuring an unbiased dataset.

3. Bioinformatics Analysis

Sequenced DNA is cross referenced against our genomic database to identify microbes and reveal their abundance.

4. Actionable Insights

Results are translated into clear microbiome insights, highlighting pathogens, beneficial microbes, and informing you of their relevance to aquaculture.

Application in Aquaculture

Disease Prevention

Detect pathogens early, including emerging and low-abundance threats, before they escalate into clinical disease.

Water Quality Management

Understand the microbial processes influencing nitrogen cycling, organic load, and system stability.

Monitor Microbes

Establish a healthy microbial baseline unique to your farm and monoitor changes to detect early signs of imbalance.

Optimise Operations

Track how management decisions, environmental changes, and biosecurity measures influence microbial dynamics across production systems.

Technology Comparison

Whole genome metagenomics (WGM) stands apart from other microbial detection methods by enabling both species and strain level identification of expected and unexpected microbes. In one sample metagenomics reveals the presence and abundance of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite and archaea.

Ready to start your microbiome journey?

Discover how total microbiome analysis can work on your farm.