Animal Feed

Biocarbon, as an animal feed supplement, can eliminate biotoxins and enhance production parameters in livestock farming.

NewCarbon field trials on sheep have shown that Biocarbon adsorbs endotoxins, mycotoxins and phytotoxins in ruminants’ digestive systems. It can improve nutrient uptake, growth, blood profiles, strengthen immunity, reduce pathogens, lower methane production, and enhance productivity. Biocarbon can also improve overall farm sustainability and animal welfare through a cascading effect when applied in combination with acceptable farming practices.

Commercial livestock farmers who have been feeding their livestock Biocarbon additives over several years have not noticed any negative side-effects. Biocarbon has shown to be a superior feed additive for increasing the butterfat and protein content of milk in dairy farming. The somatic cell count (SCC) of milk in a Biocarbon-enhanced diet showed a decrease. Biochar incorporated into feedlots can save on feeding costs. High energy feed often has insufficient electron-shuttling substances and Biocarbon can create redox reactions and increase feed efficiency.

Biocarbon and its derivative, Activated Carbon (AC), have been found to adsorb pathogenic clostridial toxins that cause tetanus. Adsorption therapy, where AC is used as a non-digestible sorbent, has proved to be an effective way to combat orally ingested toxins. AC can adsorb proteins, amines, amino acids, digestive tract enzymes, and bacterial exo-enzymes by binding mobile germs via chemotaxis. Biocarbon has a selective adsorption quality that attracts toxins and co-adsorbs those containing harmful feed substances.

Studies also show that Biocarbon has a prophylactic and therapeutic effect against diarrhoeal symptoms caused by infection of animal feed. Trials show that within 1 – 2 days after being fed Biocarbon, diarrhoea-infected cattle were cured of symptoms with improved manure viscosity and decreased foul odour. The NewCarbon field trials proved that where diarrhoea was observed, Biocarbon treatment significantly reduced cases, indicating its efficacy to minimise the presence of diarrhoea in feedlot lambs.

In separate trials, the use of Biocarbon as an animal feed supplement was reported to lower mortality rates. Cattle generally showed increased feed intake and efficiency, weight gain, improvement in meat quality, reduced claw diseases, and a strengthening of the immune system. Biocarbon as a co-feed can retain digested nutrients, increasing bovine manure’s fertilising effect for pasture growth. NH₃, N₂O and CH₄ emissions significantly dropped.

In laying hens, it has been found to improve digestion through a regulatory effect and improve mortality, as well as enhance meat and eggshell strength quality. Used in combination with Wood Vinegar, it can increase the collagen content of eggs and shelf life.

Meat quality and meat storage capacity improved with pigs co-fed Biocarbon, as well as their daily weight gain, feed efficiency, and immune responses.