AUSTRALIAN agricultural biotech company Terragen has reached an exciting new milestone, launching its first international research trial for Terragen’s Probiotic for Ruminants (TPR) in collaboration with leading Canadian research organisations.

The two-phase feedlot study, conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in Alberta, brings together the University of Calgary, the Canada/Alberta Livestock Trust, and the Beef Cattle Research Council.

This marks the first use of TPR in a North American beef production setting, assessing its impact on cattle performance, carcase quality, and the gut-immune connection in feedlot systems.

AAFC research scientist Professor Trevor Alexander said the study aligns with the Centre’s long-term focus on Bovine Respiratory Disease and animal health.

“While we know that performance can be affected by BRD, there is limited research exploring how natural or feed-derived gut microbes and gut immunity influence respiratory health in
cattle,” Professor Alexander said.

“This work will help us better understand the link between digestion, performance, microbiota, and immunity.”

The first phase of the study will run for two months, examining digestion, gut health and immunity. A second phase will extend to 300 days under commercial feedlot conditions, evaluating overall performance, animal health and carcase outcomes.

Terragen Chief Operating Officer and veterinarian, Dr Joss West.

Terragen Chief Operating Officer and veterinarian, Dr Joss West, said the international research was a key step toward introducing the probiotic into North American markets.

“Independent research is critical to demonstrating the performance and reliability of live microbial products,” Dr West said.

“Validating TPR in North American feedlot conditions will build confidence in its value to producers, while expanding our scientific understanding of its mechanisms of action.”

The study builds on Terragen’s science-backed innovation and published research within Australian beef systems – click here to read an earlier article on this topic.

A 2024 feedlot trial at Charles Sturt University showed Angus steers fed TPR achieved higher average daily gains, improved feed conversion ratios, and greater carcase value.

Terragen’s Probiotic for Ruminants is a dry-form, shelf-stable product that can be added to dry feed, milk, or water to support gastrointestinal health and productivity in beef and dairy cattle,
calves, and sheep.

About Terragen

Terragen specialises in the development of biological products that improve animal and plant health for use in agriculture.

Our proprietary research has led to the creation of innovative products that improve livestock and crop yields and deliver positive environmental outcomes, helping to decarbonise agriculture.

Currently, Terragen has two products available for sale across Australia and New Zealand, Ruminant Probiotic and Great Land Plus (GLP).

Ruminant probiotic is a feed supplement that increases average daily weight gain and reduces methane production. GLP is a plant bio-stimulant targeted for use in cropping that reduces
reliance on chemical-based fertilisers, decreasing scope emissions. GLP also increases crop yields and soil organic carbon levels.