Queensland Algae Supplement Shows Promising Results in Cattle Weight Maintenance
Genesis produces commercial quantities of chlorella microalgae in a terrestrial pond system, akin to aquaculture.
A Queensland-based technology developer, Genesis, is achieving remarkable results with an algae supplement aimed at helping cattle maintain weight during the protein gap periods of winter.
As Australia’s largest commercial microalgae provider, Genesis has partnered with McDonald’s beef supply chain manager, FMG Global, to conduct a pilot study on the effectiveness of its microalgae-based supplement in improving growth performance in grazing cattle.
Additional partners in the project include the University of Central Queensland and Mountain View Grazing Co near Springsure in Central Queensland.
The trial focused on whether cattle with access to Genesis’ AlgaeFeed—an organic, chlorella-based bio-stimulant—would exhibit better weight gain and feed utilization compared to a control group.
Previously, Beef Central had reported on MLA-backed research regarding the potential of farmed algae as a livestock supplementary feed source in 2014.
Conducted during winter, the trial involved both a control group and a group administered AlgaeFeed, with each group consisting of around 100 cattle. Using Optiweigh paddock weighing systems, Mountain View Grazing’s principal, David O’Connor, found that the non-supplemented group lost weight at an average rate of -0.7 kg per head per day. In contrast, the AlgaeFeed supplemented cattle gained weight at +0.1 kg per day, representing a difference of 0.8 kg.
Over the trial’s duration of three months, the control group lost an average of 12.51 kg, while the AlgaeFeed group maintained their body weight and showed improved overall condition.
Genesis describes AlgaeFeed as a nutrient-rich and organic natural growth bio-stimulant high in protein (50%), omega fatty acids (3, 6, and 9), iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium. It offers an ideal feed supplement for both feedlot and grazing animals, as it can be easily administered through water medication.
While AlgaeFeed differs from asparagopsis seaweed-based products designed to inhibit methane production, research indicates that the additive reduced in-vitro enteric methane emissions by 25%, attributed to enhanced weight gain and earlier turnoff opportunities.
Colin McGregor, the founder of Genesis, praised the comparative weight gain performance of 0.8 kg per head per day as an “incredible result,” highlighting the potential for enteric methane reduction through reduced livestock lifespan to achieve greater net weight.
Genesis is continuing its collaboration with CQU and Mountain View Grazing to conduct a full-cycle trial, further validating the long-term effects of AlgaeFeed on growth performance and methane reduction.
FMG Global’s sustainability manager, Sebastian Martin, expressed optimism regarding the trial results, emphasizing their significance for Australian beef grazing systems, particularly during dry spells when forage availability diminishes.
“The algae supplement was straightforward to integrate into existing water infrastructure, essential for grazing systems where simplicity and practicality matter,” Martin noted.
Brahman cattle receiving the microalgae supplement.
Mountain View Grazing’s Adele O’Connor, who has been in the cattle business for 28 years, commented on the frequent challenges of achieving consistent weight gain during Central Queensland’s colder months, which can significantly impact cattle economics.
“To us, this supplement is ‘liquid gold.’ We not only began to notice positive changes, but our neighbors did as well, prompting widespread adoption across the local farming community,” she stated.
Neighboring cattle producer Rob Stewart, who manages around 2000 to 3000 head across multiple properties, joined the trial after observing early successes.
“We currently have approximately 700–800 cattle receiving the algae supplement. One of the immediate improvements we noted was their general condition; they appeared healthier and were utilizing their feed more efficiently,” Stewart added.
- The Mountain View Grazing trial is part of a broader initiative to evaluate algae-based bio-stimulants across various Australian grazing environments. Interested farmers and producers can visit Genesis’ website here.
