LiMBioM aims to establish for the first time standardized lab protocols and corresponding work flows as well as open source references for microbiome research in livestock, using the pig as an example. Together with accompanying documentation guidelines, this shall enable (i) the comparison of microbiome data and results from laboratories around the world, (ii) to generate reliable statistics and thus (iii) more quickly come to conclusions for their practical relevance and application, e.g. for improved animal welfare, health and performance of farm animals as well as for sustainable animal production and agricultural practice.