There are many ways to measure the benefits of probiotics whether it’s on the microbial activity on the soil, a reduction in the odours and pests in the near vicinity of sheds and stables, or on the output of the animals. In trials run recently in Victoria by our distributor Norm Cooper from Farming Focus ([email protected]) the results bore out many of the benefits that have been reported overseas.
However, the one thing that is hard to measure is the general well being of the animals as mentioned in the report summarising the trials ‘The interesting thing to note here was, while the results showed clear animal health benefits – it was very hard to measure them, as there was no real unit of measure, except for observation. It is, however, not hard to see the difference between thriving stock and those which are not.’
Trials were conducted on Angus Beef cows, Sheep as well as Dairy Cows. While the initial focus of the trial was actually pasture improvement, there were significant observations around animal health.
Here are some quotes from farmers involved in the trials:
- ‘the coats of the cows were more shiny and they seemed more contented’
- ‘the calves were noticeably heavier, there were no cow prolapses, no retained placentas and no grass tetany in the trial group’
- ‘steers from cows in the trial group were the heaviest we have ever had’
- ‘farm history of footrot of 19% reduced to 2% over the trial period’
- ‘we had 100% lambing!’
- ‘milk production significantly increased’
- ‘there were only 3 cases of mastitis and 3 empty cows, which was a significant improvement ..’
- ‘The most significant observations were that the manure was more uniform in colour, shape and smell – and the dung beetles were much more active in the trial group and manure decomposed in the paddock much more quickly.
Now is the time to start your own probiotic journey!
Reach out to us at Probiotics for details on how to join a trial! Call Roger on 0419-227-986 or email [email protected] to discuss options.