Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh
Dr

Elham Assadi Soumeh

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 54601 308

Overview

Background

Dr Elham (Ellie) Assadi Soumeh is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science and Production at the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland. She holds a BSc in Animal Science, an MSc in Animal Nutrition, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition and Physiology, with a focus on monogastric species, particularly poultry and swine.

Dr Soumeh completed her PhD at Aarhus University in Denmark, where her research focused on the requirements and metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in weaned pigs and the metabolic profiling of high-performing pigs fed optimal BCAA levels. Following her PhD, she worked as a Senior Scientist at Cargill BV in the Netherlands, leading customer-focused research in monogastric nutrition. Her work there spanned nutrient metabolism, gut health, and nutritional strategies aimed at improving production efficiency.

Her current research explores the role of nutrition in modulating gut microbiota composition and function, and how these microbial shifts influence host metabolism, health, and productivity. She is particularly interested in the interplay between dietary components, gut microbial ecology, and the physiological responses of monogastric animals.

Dr Soumeh's work addresses practical and emerging challenges in animal nutrition, with an emphasis on sustainable feeding practices and precision nutrition. Her research findings have been widely published in high-impact scientific journals and presented at leading international conferences and symposiums.

Availability

Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor, University of Tabriz
  • Masters (Coursework), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Aarhus University

Research interests

  • Nutrition-Microbiota-Host Axis

    Investigating the role of diet in shaping gut microbiota composition and function, and its subsequent impact on host metabolism, immunity, and overall health.

  • Sustainable and Functional Feed Ingredients

    Evaluation of alternative and novel feed ingredients (e.g. insect-based proteins) to improve sustainability and maintain or enhance nutrient digestibility and animal performance.

  • Gut Health and Nutritional Physiology

    Nutritional strategies to support gastrointestinal integrity, nutrient absorption, and systemic metabolic responses in monogastric animals.

  • Amino Acids requirements, metabolism, and nutrition

    Amino acids requirements, metabolism, and precision feeding strategies for poultry and swine to optimize growth, health, and production efficiency.

Research impacts

Industry Engagement and Current Collaborative Research:

Alternative ingredients to replace soybean meal in poultry feed Metex Noovistago & UQ:

  • Local alternative protein-rich ingredients to replace soybean meal fully or partially in chicken feed

Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a protein feed ingredient in broiler chicken nutrition

  • Amino acids ileal digestibility, AMEn, fat digestibility and nutritive value of Full-fat BSFL produced from food waste streams for meat chickens

Industry funded project by Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition Europe SAS:

  • Amino acids interventions to reduce the consequences of heat stress in broiler chicken

Industry funded project by Bioproton Pty Ltd:

  • Effects of new bacillus strain probiotics and natural biosurfactants on broiler chickens production
  • The efficiency of probiotics with or without prebiotics in antibiotic-free poultry production system, mode of actions, and growth performance
  • Effects of Multi-enzyme super-dosing on reduced-energy diets on broiler chicken growth performance and gut health

Works

Search Professor Elham Assadi Soumeh’s works on UQ eSpace

41 works between 2011 and 2025

1 - 20 of 41 works

Featured

2025

Journal Article

Integrated faecal microbiota and blood metabolic changes following different dietary zinc oxide levels in weaned piglets

Soumeh, Elham Assadi, Nielsen, Tina Skau, Hedemann, Mette Skou and Curtasu, Mihai Victor (2025). Integrated faecal microbiota and blood metabolic changes following different dietary zinc oxide levels in weaned piglets. Scientific Reports, 15 (1) 18346, 18346. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-03103-7

Integrated faecal microbiota and blood metabolic changes following different dietary zinc oxide levels in weaned piglets

2025

Journal Article

Assessment of Apparent Metabolizable Energy, and Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) in Broiler Chickens

Alafif, Mohammad S., Hoffman, Louwrens, Cozzolino, Daniel, Abdollahi, M. Reza, Roura, Eugeni, Nguyen, Ai Duc and Soumeh, Elham A. (2025). Assessment of Apparent Metabolizable Energy, and Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) in Broiler Chickens. Poultry Science, 104 (10) 105506, 105506. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2025.105506

Assessment of Apparent Metabolizable Energy, and Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) in Broiler Chickens

2025

Journal Article

Effect of the dietary ingredient composition and type of muscle on the classification of intact chicken muscles evaluated by near infrared spectroscopy

Soumeh, Elham Assadi, Hoffman, LC and Cozzolino, D (2025). Effect of the dietary ingredient composition and type of muscle on the classification of intact chicken muscles evaluated by near infrared spectroscopy. Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy, 33 (1-2), 20-25. doi: 10.1177/09670335251329542

Effect of the dietary ingredient composition and type of muscle on the classification of intact chicken muscles evaluated by near infrared spectroscopy

2025

Journal Article

16s rRNA analysis revealed that betaine reduces pathogenic bacteria in growing pullets raised in a tropical environment

Al-Wahid, Zainudin, Pradista, Luthfi Adya, Prastowo, Sigit, Soumeh, Elham Assadi and Ratriyanto, Adi (2025). 16s rRNA analysis revealed that betaine reduces pathogenic bacteria in growing pullets raised in a tropical environment. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1490 (1), 012036. doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/1490/1/012036

16s rRNA analysis revealed that betaine reduces pathogenic bacteria in growing pullets raised in a tropical environment

2024

Journal Article

Analysis of liver transcriptome data to identify the genes affecting lipid metabolism during the embryonic and hatching periods in ROSS breeder broilers

Mohammadinejad, Fatemeh, Mohammadabadi, Mohammadreza, Roudbari, Zahra, Siahkouhi, Saeideh Eskandarynasab, Babenko, Olena, Klopenko, Nataliia, Borshch, Oleksandr, Starostenko, Iryna, Kalashnyk, Oleksandr and Soumeh, Elham Assadi (2024). Analysis of liver transcriptome data to identify the genes affecting lipid metabolism during the embryonic and hatching periods in ROSS breeder broilers. Journal of Livestock Science and Technologies, 12 (2), 61-67. doi: 10.22103/jlst.2024.23814.1554

Analysis of liver transcriptome data to identify the genes affecting lipid metabolism during the embryonic and hatching periods in ROSS breeder broilers

2024

Journal Article

Editorial: Nutritional impacts the health and physiology of the avian gastro-intestinal tract

Pierzchała-Koziec, Krystyna, Olukosi, Oluyinka, Selvaraj, Ramesh, Shanmugasundaram, Revithi, Assadi Soumeh, Elham and Scanes, Colin G. (2024). Editorial: Nutritional impacts the health and physiology of the avian gastro-intestinal tract. Frontiers in Physiology, 15 1470024, 1-3. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1470024

Editorial: Nutritional impacts the health and physiology of the avian gastro-intestinal tract

2024

Journal Article

Investigating the price volatility spillover effects in the poultry industry inputs market and the egg market in Iran: using the multivariate DCC-GARCH model

Javadi, Akram, Ghahremanzadeh, Mohammad and Soumeh, Elham Assadi (2024). Investigating the price volatility spillover effects in the poultry industry inputs market and the egg market in Iran: using the multivariate DCC-GARCH model. Agriculture and Food Security, 13 (1) 23, 1-10. doi: 10.1186/s40066-024-00472-6

Investigating the price volatility spillover effects in the poultry industry inputs market and the egg market in Iran: using the multivariate DCC-GARCH model

2024

Journal Article

Implications of the storage conditions and production system on the physical properties of eggs: a multivariate data analysis study

Cozzolino, Daniel, Sanal, Pooja, Soumeh, Elham Assadi, Dekkers, Milou Helene, Anderson, Molly, Boisen, Sheree and Hoffman, Louwrens Christiaan (2024). Implications of the storage conditions and production system on the physical properties of eggs: a multivariate data analysis study. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 59 (5), 3235-3244. doi: 10.1111/ijfs.17069

Implications of the storage conditions and production system on the physical properties of eggs: a multivariate data analysis study

2024

Journal Article

An investigation into the influence of fermented cottonseed meal on the productive performance, egg quality, and gut health in laying hens

Ashayerizadeh, A., Jazi, V., Rezvani, M.R., Mohebodini, H., Soumeh, E. A. and Abdollahi, M. R. (2024). An investigation into the influence of fermented cottonseed meal on the productive performance, egg quality, and gut health in laying hens. Poultry Science, 103 (5) 103574, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103574

An investigation into the influence of fermented cottonseed meal on the productive performance, egg quality, and gut health in laying hens

2024

Conference Publication

Low and high feed efficiency grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein showed no immediate difference in blood metabolomics profile

van der Heide, Marleen Elise, Soumeh, Elham Assadi, Curtasu, Mihai, Nørgaard, Jan Værum and Madsen, Johannes Gulmann (2024). Low and high feed efficiency grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein showed no immediate difference in blood metabolomics profile. 2024 ASAS Midwest Section Meeting, Madison, WI United States, 10-13 March 2024. Champaign, IL United States: American Society of Animal Science. doi: 10.1093/jas/skae102.363

Low and high feed efficiency grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein showed no immediate difference in blood metabolomics profile

2024

Journal Article

Predicting egg storage time with a portable near-infrared instrument: effects of temperature and production system

Cozzolino, Daniel, Sanal, Pooja, Schreuder, Jana, Williams, Paul James, Assadi Soumeh, Elham, Dekkers, Milou Helene, Anderson, Molly, Boisen, Sheree and Hoffman, Louwrens Christiaan (2024). Predicting egg storage time with a portable near-infrared instrument: effects of temperature and production system. Foods, 13 (2) 212, 1-11. doi: 10.3390/foods13020212

Predicting egg storage time with a portable near-infrared instrument: effects of temperature and production system

2024

Journal Article

How low can you go? Broiler breast muscle possesses a mitochondrial content of just 2%

Soumeh, Elham A., Bottje, Walter G. and Hudson, Nicholas J. (2024). How low can you go? Broiler breast muscle possesses a mitochondrial content of just 2%. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica A: Animal Sciences, 73 (1-2), 22-27. doi: 10.1080/09064702.2023.2262470

How low can you go? Broiler breast muscle possesses a mitochondrial content of just 2%

2023

Conference Publication

39. Physiological responses related to acute heat stress decrease over time as lactating sows become acclimated to a hyperthermic environment

Coba, A., Müller, M., Navarro, M., Soumeh, E.A., Pluske, J.R., van Wettere, W.H.E.J., Cottrell, J.J., Dunshea, F.R., Gaughan, J.B. and Roura, E. (2023). 39. Physiological responses related to acute heat stress decrease over time as lactating sows become acclimated to a hyperthermic environment. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13 - 16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.040

39. Physiological responses related to acute heat stress decrease over time as lactating sows become acclimated to a hyperthermic environment

2023

Conference Publication

Blood metabolic profile of sows fed high and low fibre diets prior to farrowing

Soumeh, E.A., Nastasi, J., James, S.E., Staveley, L.M., Plush, K.J. and Nowland, T.L. (2023). Blood metabolic profile of sows fed high and low fibre diets prior to farrowing. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.036

Blood metabolic profile of sows fed high and low fibre diets prior to farrowing

2023

Conference Publication

34. Low crude protein diets improve heat stress indicators in lactating sows under cyclic hyperthermal temperatures

Coba, A., Müller, M., Navarro, M., Soumeh, E.A., Pluske, J.R., van Wettere, W.H.E.J., Cottrell, J.J., Dunshea, F.R., Gaughan, J.B. and Roura, E. (2023). 34. Low crude protein diets improve heat stress indicators in lactating sows under cyclic hyperthermal temperatures. Manipulating Pig Production XIX, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 13-16 November 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.09.035

34. Low crude protein diets improve heat stress indicators in lactating sows under cyclic hyperthermal temperatures

2023

Journal Article

Effects of black pepper and turmeric powder on growth performance, gut health, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of Japanese quail

Ashayerizadeh, O., Dastar, B., Shams Shargh, M., A. Soumeh, E. and Jazi, V. (2023). Effects of black pepper and turmeric powder on growth performance, gut health, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of Japanese quail. Frontiers in Physiology, 14 1218850, 1-12. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1218850

Effects of black pepper and turmeric powder on growth performance, gut health, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of Japanese quail

2023

Journal Article

The optimum ratio of digestible leucine: lysine in wheat-based diets for female broiler chickens from 8 – 21 days of age

Amirdahri, S., Janmohammadi, H., Taghizadeh, A., Lambert, W., Oliayi, M. and Assadi Soumeh, E. (2023). The optimum ratio of digestible leucine: lysine in wheat-based diets for female broiler chickens from 8 – 21 days of age. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 32 (2) 100289, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.japr.2022.100289

The optimum ratio of digestible leucine: lysine in wheat-based diets for female broiler chickens from 8 – 21 days of age

2023

Journal Article

Elecampane rhizome extract alleviates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male rats

Sharifi, Fatemeh, Jazi, Vahid and Assadi Soumeh, Elham (2023). Elecampane rhizome extract alleviates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male rats. Advances in Traditional Medicine, 23 (4), 1255-1264. doi: 10.1007/s13596-023-00679-1

Elecampane rhizome extract alleviates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male rats

2022

Journal Article

Effects of protease supplementation on growth performance, organ development, gut morphology, and microbial profile of broiler chicken

Huyan, Lingjun, Kumar, Arun, Manafi, Milad and Soumeh, Elham A. (2022). Effects of protease supplementation on growth performance, organ development, gut morphology, and microbial profile of broiler chicken. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A — Animal Science, 71 (1-4), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/09064702.2022.2113121

Effects of protease supplementation on growth performance, organ development, gut morphology, and microbial profile of broiler chicken

2022

Conference Publication

Blood metabolic profile of pigs fed different dietary zinc levels after weaning

Soumeh, Elham A., Curtasu, Mihai, Nielsen, Tina S., Gorji, Sara G. and Hedemann, Mette S. (2022). Blood metabolic profile of pigs fed different dietary zinc levels after weaning. 15th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs (DPP2022), Rotterdam, Netherlands, 17–20 May 2022. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2022.04.028

Blood metabolic profile of pigs fed different dietary zinc levels after weaning

Funding

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Investigation into the role of naturally-occurring neurotoxins as the cause of Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome
    Australia & Pacific Science Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Natural compounds and essential oils to enhance the productivity of poultry and promote food safety
    Acacia Natural Science Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Sustainable Precision Feeding in Broiler Chickens in Australia
    AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program Nutrition, Gut Health and Environment Research Program
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023
    Non-targeted metabolomics study on blood samples of sows fed different fibre content prior to farrowing
    South Australian Research and Development Institute
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Alternative protein feeds for Australian pigs and laying hens
    Australian Eggs Limited
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Alternative protein ingredients to replace soybean meal in broiler chicken feed in partnership with METEX NØØVISTAGO
    UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Optimising and industrialising black soldier fly (BSF) production: redirecting food waste to livestock feed production using insects
    Fight Food Waste CRC
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Heat tolerance (HT) in lactating sows: dietary strategies, metabolic biomarkers and microbiome signature
    Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Effects of new bacillus strain probiotics and natural biosurfactants on broiler chickens production
    Bioproton Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Effects of Multi-enzyme super-dosing on reduced-energy diets on broiler chicken growth performance and gut health
    Bioproton Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Brightfield and Fluorescent High Speed and Throughput Slide Scanner for biological, medical, materials science, and agricultural applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Nutritional strategies to reduce the consequences of coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis challenge on growth performance, gut functionality, and welfare of broiler chickens

    An PhD projet is availabe to start in 2025. For further information please contact Dr Ellie Soumeh

    e.soumeh@uq.edu.au

Supervision history

Current supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au