This project focuses on characterising the cattle rumen microbiome across different breeds and environmental conditions. It makes an emphasis on understanding how seasonal variations (Dry and Rain) influence microbial communities. The rumen microbiota, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, provides essential metabolic functions that enable the host to digest fibrous plant material, thus playing a pivotal role in ruminant nutrition, health, and productivity. By characterising this microbial organ, the study aims to deepen insights into how these microbial communities can be harnessed to improve feed efficiency, animal health, and environmental sustainability. The project will leverage high-throughput sequencing (Illumina and Nanopore) and advanced metagenomics approaches to analyse rumen microbiome samples from four cattle breeds: Ethiopian Boran, Afrikaneer, Bonsmara, and Hereford, in two regions: Ethiopia, and South Africa. Through DNA sequencing of the rumen microbiome, the research will identify microbial composition, diversity, and functional capacities within each sample. This work builds on previous research that highlights the significant role of gut microbiota in animal performance, yet remains largely exploratory due to the limited understanding of functional attributes within these communities. A major aspect of this study is the seasonal analysis of the microbiome, comparing the microbial compositions in summer and winter. Seasonal changes can impact feed quality and availability, which in turn influences the composition and function of the rumen microbiome. By studying the microbiota during these contrasting seasons, the project aims to determine how shifts in environmental conditions may drive microbial adaptation and contribute to breed-specific differences in microbiome structure and function. This will provide valuable insights for understanding how environmental factors modulate microbial communities, allowing for potential interventions to optimise animal health and productivity across seasons. The project will also explore bioinformatics tools to assess microbial diversity and functional potential within the rumen ecosystem. This includes the MUFFIN pipeline version 2 as well as kraken2/bracken. With these bioinformatics strategies, the research aims to shift the focus from cataloguing microbial species toward characterising the functional contributions of these microbes to host digestion, immunity, and health. This functional understanding could empower farmers to modify microbiota in targeted ways, enhancing feed efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production. Ultimately, this project marks a significant advancement in the functional metagenomics profiling of cattle rumen microbiomes, with the potential to transform ruminant production systems by fostering more resilient and productive cattle populations. The data generated and insights gained will lay the groundwork for microbiota-informed strategies that support feed efficiency, animal health, food safety, and reduced environmental impact, aligning with global goals of sustainable agriculture.