Probiotics are attracting growing attention in livestock production, with research exploring their potential to support animal health, digestion and performance. But while much of the discussion focuses on the microorganisms themselves, another question deserves attention: how can these products be delivered effectively to livestock?
In a recent podcast conversation, Mark from DIT AgTech spoke with Dr Joss West, Chief Operating Officer at Terragen, an Australian agricultural biologicals company focused on microbial solutions for livestock and farming. They explored the science behind probiotics for ruminants, their potential role in livestock productivity and the practical challenges that will influence their adoption across the Australian livestock industry.
From understanding the rumen microbiome to maintaining microbial viability and measuring commercial returns, the discussion highlights why the effectiveness of a probiotic depends on more than its formulation alone.
Understanding the role of microbes in cattle nutrition
The rumen is a complex microbial ecosystem that plays a central role in how cattle digest their feed.
Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microorganisms work together to break down feed through fermentation. This process produces energy sources that the animal can use to support its health, growth and production.
The composition of this microbial community varies between animals and can change in response to diet.
For example, cattle moving from pasture to a concentrated feed ration need their rumen microbial population to adapt to the new diet. Supporting this transition is one area where probiotics may have a role to play.
As Joss explained during the conversation, probiotics are not simply about introducing bacteria into an animal. The aim is to select beneficial microbial strains that can support the existing microbial community and contribute to better outcomes.
The objective is to support the biological processes already taking place inside the animal, rather than replace them.
What makes a probiotic effective?
Not all microbial products are the same, and the presence of bacteria on a product label does not necessarily mean those microorganisms will still be alive when the animal consumes them.
According to Joss, a key challenge in probiotic development is maintaining strain viability. This must be achieved throughout manufacturing, storage, transport and delivery.
A probiotic must contain appropriate live microorganisms and deliver them in sufficient quantities to provide a benefit to the host.
That requires careful strain selection, quality control and an understanding of how different microorganisms respond to their environment.
Terragen’s approach, as described in the interview, includes selecting and genetically sequencing strains. It also involves assessing their safety and potential benefits before they are used in animals.
The challenge does not stop once a product leaves the manufacturing facility. Different microbial strains can survive for different periods under different conditions.
This distinction matters in livestock production, where products may need to travel long distances before reaching their destination.
The key question is not simply how many microorganisms a product contains when it is manufactured, but whether enough viable microorganisms remain when the animal consumes it.
For producers evaluating probiotic products, understanding how viability is maintained and measured is therefore an important part of the decision.
From intensive systems to extensive grazing
Delivering probiotics in intensive production systems can be relatively straightforward.
In feedlots and dairy operations, animals are often fed daily. This creates regular opportunities to incorporate probiotics into feed, total mixed rations or milk replacers. The choice depends on the product and production system.
Extensive grazing operations present a different challenge.
In northern Australia, cattle may be spread across large properties. Frequent handling and additional feeding can therefore be difficult.
Introducing a new nutritional product cannot rely on creating substantial extra labour or complicated routines. The delivery method needs to fit the existing management system.
This is where water presents a potential opportunity.
Water systems already form an essential part of livestock management. Delivering suitable products through drinking water could provide a practical way to reach animals without requiring an additional feeding task.
However, the effectiveness of this approach depends on the characteristics of the product, its stability and the delivery system. Not every probiotic formulation will behave in the same way.
During the interview, Joss explained that Terragen was investigating different water delivery systems. Further trials were planned to compare delivery through feed and water.
This is an important distinction: while water offers potential as a delivery pathway for extensive systems, the approach needs to be supported by evidence for the specific product and application.
Making nutrition technology practical for producers
The development of a product is only one stage in its journey to commercial adoption.
For producers, the decision to incorporate a new technology into an existing operation depends on several practical considerations.
Does the product deliver a measurable benefit? Is the return on investment justified? Can it be incorporated into current management practices without adding unnecessary labour?
These questions are particularly relevant in extensive livestock systems, where distance, labour availability and seasonal conditions can influence how nutrition programmes are implemented.
Drawing on Terragen’s research and commercial experience, Joss highlighted the importance of validating results at commercial scale and ensuring that products are straightforward to use.
During the podcast, she discussed research and commercial experiences involving improvements in average daily gain, as well as changes in dairy health indicators such as somatic cell counts and mastitis incidence. The results vary according to the product, animal class, production system and conditions under which supplementation takes place.
For producers, the priority is to understand the evidence behind a product and how relevant that evidence is to their own operation.
A product may have promising scientific foundations, but its practical value also depends on whether it can be delivered consistently under commercial conditions.
What could the future of probiotics look like?
Probiotic technology is not entirely new to livestock production. Microbial inoculants, for example, have been used in silage production for decades.
However, the understanding of how selected microbial strains can support animal health and productivity continues to develop.
As research progresses, probiotic products may become increasingly tailored to particular animal species, production objectives and management challenges.
Joss also discussed the possibility of future approaches that use microbiome analysis to help identify patterns and develop more targeted solutions for individual farming operations.
This work remains an area of research, and further development is needed before such approaches can become routine commercial tools.
In the meantime, the focus remains on demonstrating consistent benefits, maintaining product quality and making delivery practical.
Seasonal variation may also increase interest in nutritional strategies that help support animals during challenging periods, including dietary transitions, drought conditions and changes in feed availability.
Probiotics are one potential tool within a broader livestock nutrition programme. Their role should be considered alongside feed quality, animal management and the specific requirements of each production system.
This is one example of how livestock nutrition is evolving. The next step is ensuring that the science, the product and the delivery method work together to deliver practical, evidence-based outcomes.
Watch the full Ag&Us podcast with Terragen’s Dr Joss West, exploring probiotic science, product quality and practical delivery on farm.
