Terragen (ASX:TGH) has claimed its probiotic livestock feed additive can increase carcass weights, according to trial data involving 264 Angus steers. The company’s ‘Ruminant Probiotics’ caused a 4.6% ‘increased average daily weight gain’ in the trial placed in a beef feedlot and overseen by two experts.

The ultimate price per carcass increased by $57, the company explained, also boosting the return on investment when considering feed costs.

The study looked at single and double doses of Terragen’s probiotic versus liquid MYLO and a control group. Double-dosed cattle came in nearly 9kg heavier than control counterparts; that cohort is from where the +4.6% daily gain metric was plucked.

However, single-dose dry probiotic cows’ feed conversion ratio improved nearly +13% compared to control. Given Terragen’s metric of an average ration cost of $380/tn, that increase allows farmers to save nearly $50/tn (assuming you’re using a National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme grain grid.)

Further, probiotic groups were also reported to outperform control when it came to the marbling of the meat and overall yield percentage.

While this study focused on beef, existing research indicating Terragen’s probiotic can increase daily weight gain in lambs by 24% was pointed to by the company.

The same can also make lactating cows nearly one-fifth heavier than control counterparts, though, that wasn’t covered in Tuesday’s news.

Perhaps unsurprising for the ASX where Agritech companies are far and few between – the news wasn’t enough to put upward pressure on Terragen’s shares, which were flat heading into late morning.

TGH last traded at 4.7cps.

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