With a minimum 13 billion live probiotic bacteria per gram, Terragen’s new Probiotic for Ruminants is set to revolutionise how Australian producers support the gastrointestinal health of their herd.

But if you run an intensive feeding system, the highly concentrated version; Probiotic Ultra, which contains a minimum 130 billion live probiotic bacteria per gram, is for you.

With both products available now across leading rural retailers, Terragen’s new dry probiotic is scientifically proven to enhance herd productivity by optimising feed digestion and amplifying the benefits of pre-existing good bacteria. 

The proprietary microbial blend features three strains of Lactobacillus bacteria. As a combination they can both generate and utilise organic acids, providing ruminants with a natural defence against harmful pathogens and optimising digestion efficiencies.

The benefits don’t stop there.

Probiotics have been shown to improve overall livestock health and productivity, supporting disease prevention, responsible antimicrobial use, and leading to increased profitability.

$57 increase in per carcase value

An independent trial of Terragen’s Probiotic for Ruminants was held at Charles Sturt University’s feedlot near Wagga Wagga late last year.

A total 264 Angus cattle from six different breeders across southern NSW were maintained on feed for106 days to measure if the supplement improved production and carcass characteristics.

Angus cattle supplied a ration containing the product gained 4.6 percent more weight per day compared to a control group that were not. They were also shown to have a marbling score seven per cent higher than the same group.

The beef feedlot trial tested the Terragen Probiotic for Ruminants dry feed supplement at different dosage rates against the company’s liquid MYLO probiotic and control groups for equivalence and dose rate response.

The test groups were liquid MYLO, Probiotic for Ruminant x1 dose, Probiotic for Ruminant x2 dose, and a control group fed no supplement.

The control feeding project undertook replicated randomised block design.

Steers had an average liveweight of 400kg upon induction, with an average weight range from 380-420kg across all pens.

Following the trial, the steers were contracted to, and processed by Teys Australia (Wagga Wagga), where all carcasses were assessed and graded according to the Meat Standards Australia eating quality index.

Industry experts excited by results

Professor Jane Quinn of the Gulbali Institute, and Professor Paul Cusack, renowned feedlot vet and ruminant nutritionist, oversaw the trial at CSU.

Each agreed on the significant potential the product has for increasing feedlot cattle performance.

“The novel Terragen dried bioactive supplement, Probiotic for Ruminants, at the higher concentration, produced a lift in both production and carcass performance in steers fed on a traditional 110-day grain-fed program,” Professor Quinn says.

Professor Cusack says he will be watching the product with “great interest” following the commercial launch.

“I see potential, and I am keen to see a large-scale trial in a commercial setting,” he adds.

Benefits for dairy, calves, and lambs

The CSU beef feedlot trial complements existing scientific data and evidence from peer-reviewed research shows Terragen's probiotic delivers increased productivity and profitability for other ruminants, including:

Dairy cows

•Improve milk yields by up to 10.1per cent.

•Increase liveweight during lactating by up to 21 per cent.

•Methane intensity reduced by 7.5per cent.

•Promote herd health and longevity.

•$500 net benefit per cow per lactation. 

Dairy calves

•Transition calves onto solid feed sooner.

•Wean calves up to 10 days earlier.

• Improve liveweight gain by 6kg on average.

• $40 net saving per calf.

Lambs

• Increase average daily gain by up to 24per cent.

• Increase liveweight gains by up to 25per cent.

• Reduce methane intensity by up to 30per cent.

Backed by Science

Terragen probiotics are FAMI-QS certified, which is testament to the optimal bioprocessing and product quality standards.

The organisation is committed to ensuring all products are safe to use and are of the highest standard throughout the whole process, from manufacturing to being delivered to the customer.

The FAMI-QS certification ensures the feed additives you use are ones you can trust.

Terragen chief operations officer, Dr Joss West, praised her team’s effort in launching the new product, which can deliver returns of up to $50 per head.

“Terragen’s new probiotic formulation is the result of extensive scientific research, manufacturing expertise and customer and industry feedback,” Dr West says.

“The team has worked exceptionally hard to deliver a probiotic formulation focused on improving ruminant health, performance, and profitability,” she says.

“Ultimately, we want to help producers optimise their current practices and deliver return on investment.”

Dry formula adds convenience

Terragen’s new products are available in two specialised formulas; Probiotic for Ruminants for beef, dairy, calves and lambs can support up to 1000animals per 500g pack.

While the Ultra concentrate version, with up to 10,000 doses per 500g pack, is ideal for intensive feedlot systems.

Both products can be easily pre-dispersed into water and applied into the ration.

The extended shelf life of up to two-years complements the three convenient, resealable retail packs of100g, 250g, and 500g. Wholesale orders of the product are also available.

To find out more about how Terragen’s Probiotic for Ruminants can support your herd’s health, visit the Terragen website.