Ep 35: Talking Livestock Microbial Technology with Terragen

EPISODE 35:

People are familiar with the idea of taking probiotics for their own health and the use of microorganisms to improve the production of animals is an emerging field within the livestock industry.  

This episode focuses on the impact of microbial technology and products in the dairy industry. 

Vet and ruminant nutritionist Dr Paul Cusack explains that technological advances will improve the way researchers are able to study microbes and the impact of different feed additives.  

Olivia is also joined by Tom Bayes from Terragen, a company producing a probiotic supplement for dairy cows and calves, and South Australian dairy farmer Jo Jones.

FEATURING:

DR PAUL CUSACK – VET AND RUMINANT NUTRITIONIST  

Paul Cusack is a veterinarian, ruminant nutritionist and beef producer. He has science and veterinary science degrees from Sydney University, Masters and PhD from Queensland University, and is a fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Ruminant Nutrition. He is currently an adjunct Professor with the Veterinary School at Charles Sturt University, owner of Central Veterinary Services Cowra, and principal of the consultancy business, Australian Livestock Production Services. ALPS provides nutrition and herd health services to intensive and extensive ruminant enterprises throughout Australia, plus applied research, undergraduate and post-graduate teaching, and producer training. 

TOM BAYES – TERRAGEN  

Originally from the UK, Tom completed his veterinary degree in 2015 before moving to Australia. After completing an intensive equine medicine and surgery internship in Sydney, he made the move to South Gippsland, VIC where he worked as a large animal veterinarian for nearly six years. His passion for more proactive methods of improving animal health led him to join Terragen in 2023, where he works as Lead in Animal Health and Nutrition. Tom says he’s excited by the opportunities microbes and probiotics could play in animal health and agriculture. 

JO JONES – DAIRY FARMER  

Jo Jones has been the herd manager at family-run Donovan Dairies in Mount Gambier, South Australia for 24 years. Donovan Dairies milk more than 2600 cows, predominantly Holsteins, over two farms. She says it has used both Terragen’s cow and calf MYLO probiotic products resulting in a reduction in herd sickness and improvement in milk quality.