Terragen launches first cattle probiotic study in Canada

CANADA – Australian agricultural biotechnology firm Terragen Holdings Limited has launched its first international feedlot trial for its flagship product, Terragen Probiotic™ for Ruminants (TPR), in collaboration with leading Canadian research institutions. 

The study, which began in October, marks a major step toward introducing the live microbial supplement into North American beef production systems.

The two-phase trial is being conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in Alberta, with partners including the University of Calgary, the Canada/Alberta Livestock Research Trust, and the Beef Cattle Research Council. 

It will evaluate how the probiotic affects cattle performance, gut health, immunity, and carcass outcomes under commercial feedlot conditions.

Advancing animal health research

According to AAFC research scientist Professor Trevor Alexander, the project aligns with the organisation’s long-term goal of improving bovine respiratory disease (BRD) outcomes and overall 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,” he explained. 

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

The first phase, running for 60 days, focuses on digestion, gut health, and immune responses. 

The second phase, beginning later this year and lasting 300 days, will assess feedlot performance, animal health, and carcass quality under real-world production conditions.

Building confidence for North American adoption

Terragen’s Chief Operating Officer and veterinarian, Dr. Joss West, said the study represents a strategic milestone for the company’s expansion into North America.

“Independent research is critical to demonstrating the performance and reliability of live microbial products,” he 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 dry-form, shelf-stable probiotic can be added to dry feed, milk, or water and is designed to support gastrointestinal health and productivity in beef and dairy cattle, calves, and sheep.

Proven results in Australia

The Canadian trial builds on Terragen’s success in its home market, where research has demonstrated the benefits of its biological products. 

A 2024 feedlot trial at Charles Sturt University in Australia found that Angus steers fed TPR achieved higher average daily gains, improved feed conversion ratios, and greater carcass value.

Other trials with Terragen’s products have shown a 4.6% increase in average daily gain, a 12.8% improvement in feed conversion ratio, and an estimated return of AU$87 (US$57) per head in beef cattle. In lambs, studies recorded a 30% reduction in methane intensity and a 24% increase in liveweight.

Terragen, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, develops natural, microbe-based products to enhance animal health and soil quality, aiming to reduce reliance on antibiotics and synthetic fertilisers. 

The company’s mission, it says, is to “change the face of global agriculture” through sustainable, science-driven innovation.

With the Canadian trial now underway, Terragen hopes its probiotic technology will soon help North American producers achieve healthier, more productive, and more sustainable herds.

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