Frank Mason (Genesis Algae Innovation), conducted the following Cattle Steer trial. The trial at Kelsey Road, Bowen, used alive micro green algae (Chlorella Vulgaris) at 2L of per head per day with Charobray steers average weight 260kg liveweight in November 2022.
The cattle grazed on Callide Rhodes Grass (with a minor amount of Para Grass, legumes and a range of broadleaf weeds), in the Bowen Delta region, the Dry Tropics in Qld. The average rainfall is 850mm summer dominated ( Nov 22 to April 24 ie 18 months received 1501mm) . Stocking rate was 1 steer per 3 acres ( 1.2ha).
The alive algae was applied via AlgaeFeed, at a rate 12mL per head per day for the first 10 months via their water trough. The cost per head per day is $0.20. The last 2 months of the trial ( September and October 2023) fortified AlgaeFeed concentrate was used from a 1000L pod at a rate of 2L per head per day in their trough water. The pod ingredients were; 20kg of Urea, 300mL of Phosphoric Acid, 100L of Dunder and 1 kg of elemental sulphur all mixed in a 1000L pod with water and 6L of AlgaeFert concentrate. The pod is left in shade for at least 24 hours so the fertiliser is consumed by the algae hence ‘locked up’ to avoid nutrient loss. The cost per steer per day is only $0.40.
By November 2023, ie 12 months in the trial, the steers weighed 512 kg from their initial weight of 260kg. That delivers a growth weight average of 0.7kg/head/day whilst the district average for pastures is 0.4kg/head/day over a 12 month period. The cost of the AlgaeFeed per steer for the year was $86 yet at an extra liveweight of 0.3kg/head/day at $3/kg liveweight price delivers an extra income of $109.50. Importantly, research work performed by the University of Queensland shows on average 17% reduction in feed per kg of liveweight gain which equates to a value per ha based on a 17% increase in stocking rate based on $3/kg liveweight of $107/ha. The net increase in per hectare ( algae impact on animal performance plus increased stocking rate) income less the algae cost is $126/ha over and above the stocking rate of 0.4kg/head/day based on 1 steer per 1.2ha. At $3/kg liveweight the average return per ha running steers is $365 per annum without AlgaeFeed.
This means AlgaeFeed adds a 34% increase in net income per hectare per annum running steers in Bowen, QLD.
A further significant benefit is the positive change to the Fatty Acid Profile of the meat through Omega fats hence healthier meat. Further the average methane reduction due to the increased growth performance and reduced feed intake and lipid fat content in the algae is estimated to deliver between 20 and 30% per annum/steer which is very significant and matches other feed methane reducing additives on the Australian market.
For further information, www.genesisalgaeinnovation.com