Terragen kicked off its first international feedlot trial for Terragen’s Probiotic™ for Ruminants (TPR) – partnering with leading Canadian research organisations to test the product under North American beef feedlot conditions.
Australian agricultural biotechnology company Terragen has launched its first international research trial for Terragen’s Probiotic™ for Ruminants (TPR) in collaboration with leading Canadian research organisations. The product is dry-form, shelf-stable and can be added to dry feed, milk, or water to support gastrointestinal health and productivity in beef and dairy cattle, calves, and sheep, the company highlights.
The two-phase feedlot study, conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) 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, carcass quality, and the gut-immune connection in feedlot systems.
AAFC research scientist Professor Trevor Alexander said the study aligns with their long-term focus on bovine respiratory disease (BRD) 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,” stated Professor Alexander. “This work will help us better understand the link between digestion, performance, microbiota, and immunity.”
The first phase of the study will run for 60 days, examining digestion, gut health and immunity. A second phase will extend to 300 days under commercial feedlot conditions, evaluating overall performance, animal health and carcass outcomes.
Photo: Terragen
Terragen Chief Operating Officer and veterinarian, Dr. Joss West, pointed out that international research is 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 noted. “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.”
This study builds on Terragen’s science-backed innovation and published research within Australian beef systems.
A 2024 feedlot trial at Charles Sturt University showed Angus steers fed TPR achieved higher average daily gains, improved feed conversion ratios, and greater carcass value.
