Biozest: Pastoral Farming Proof of Concept CLAIM: Biozest can increase farm gate returns by $1000 per hectare and abate greenhouse gas liability Results from trials on the following farms are discussed below: 1. A Taranaki dairy farm. 3. Angus Stud farm 5. Dairy goat farm 7. Southland dairy farm 2. Northland Dairy farm 4. A sheep farm 6. Hauraki Plains dairy farms Independent Farm Trials in the Pastoral Sector Support the Claim that Applying Biozest to Pasture Increases; (a) pasture growth (b) palatability. Pasture growth was measured using a plate meter on a split block (paddock) experimental design basis (control/treated).
Pasture Growth and Dry Matter Production On a Tarananki dairy farm two sprays of Biozest were applied, on the 11th of June 2009 and 18th June 2009, to half of each paddock. The table below shows that 19 days after the first Biozest treatment pasture growth in the treated half of each paddock was between 89% and 127% more than the untreated half. The results show that the return on investment is immediate. Pasture Growth and Palatability The table below shows plate meter measurement of dry matter production before grazing and after grazing on the Split block trial paddock. The results confirm that pasture growth increased in the treated area and the cows consumed more from the treated part of the paddock. The cows preferred grazing the treated pasture and grazed the treated pasture right down.
Environmental and Soil Stress Tolerance (drought and frost) The graph below contains results of a trial in Northland dairy farm also using the split block/paddock experimental design. Dry Matter (DM) consumed per hectare was much higher on the Biozest treated portions of the split paddocks. The results show that Biozest treatment enabled the pasture to tolerate environmental stresses - the 2010 drought (December April), and frosts (July August).
Environmental and Soil Stress Tolerance (soil/water stress) The graph below shows results from the same Northland farm, the results are from a split paddock trial of a swampy paddock. Results showed that Biozest treatment enabled the pasture to overcome soil / water stress conditions. The pasture growth was doubled over the season.
Improved Stock Condition and Weight Gain In a trial on an Angus Stud farm the 20 bulls that grazed on 20 hectares of treated pasture, compared to the control bulls, gained an extra 22% (2-tailed t-test p=.008) in weight during the 68 days finishing period. The quality condition of the bulls also improved. Bulls that grazed Biozest treated pasture realized higher bids at auction. The net return per hectare increased by over $1,000. The result shows that the return on investment is immediate.
Improved Stock Productivity A preliminary, short term (from lambing to docking - 5 weeks) trial on a sheep farm confirms that Biozest can deliver improved productivity to the sheep farming sector. Ewe and Lamb Weight (Kg)
Increased Milk Production and Quality In a dairy goat farm trial, results show that Biozest treated pasture improved both milk production and quality. The goats were fed pasture from treated and control paddocks in cycles. The results reported are extracted from the supply and quality report data from the Dairy Goat Co-operative Ltd. Early season results (table above) showed that when the goats were fed Biozest treated pasture the milk production volume increased by 2.1% and milk quality (milk solids) increased by 2.8%. Biozest therefore increased both the volume and quality of milk.
Mid season results (table below) showed a milk production increase of 5.3% and a milk quality (milk solids) increase of 3.6%. Protein was the highest contributor to the milk quality improvement (5.6%) followed by lactose (2.4%) and fat improvement was the lowest (1.3%) At the end of milking season the trial farm production data from Biozest treated and untreated feed cycles were combined and the total was compared to the previous season s production. The combined milk volume produced for the 2011 /2012 season increased by 31% and the total milk solid production increased by 33% compared to the previous season (2010 /2011). This data shows that the total percentage of solids increased more than the percentage increase in volume of milk produced. This supports the claim that Biozest improves both the productivity and quality of milk. Note: In this dairy goat trial the seasonal variation in pasture productivity has only a small influence because the goats are fed controlled quantity of freshly cut pasture each day. The herd size was the same over the two seasons.
Increased Milk Solids In a trial on a dairy farm in the North Island Hauraki Plains, in autumn, gestating cows, when feeding on treated pasture, produced 8.5% more milk solids per litre compared to when they were feeding on control (untreated) pasture. Results are shown in the table below: The above milk production results are extracted from the Fonterra supply and quality analysis report.
Reduced urea discharge Urine tests from dairy goats that were fed treated and control pasture in rotation shows that less Urea is being discharged when the dairy goats are fed Biozest treated pasture. The urea discharge increased when they were fed control pasture. Nitrous oxide (from Urea) has 298 times more impact per unit weight than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Therefore, the urea reduction significantly decreases farmers greenhouse gas liability. The average difference in the ratio is 26% (2-tailed t-test p=0.032). A trial on a dairy farm in the South Island confirms that when dairy cows were grazing on treated pasture 36% (2-tailed t-test p=0.138) less urea was discharged compared to when the same herd was grazing untreated control pasture. Results from trials on two farms in the Hauraki Plains in the North Island: results from the 1st cycle of control / treated pasture grazing by dairy cows show a reduction of 36% (2-tailed t-test p=0.008) in one farm and 24% in the other. The data shows that the reduction of urea excretion is immediate when the cows graze treated pasture.
Sugars and Ruminant Function The dairy goat farmer tests the pasture soluble solids (readily available sugars) every day. The record consistently shows Brix levels 1 degree higher in treated pasture. Other trials on dairy farms produced the following brix results: This slight improvement is ideal for preferential support of the catabolic pathway that results in production of propionic acid instead of acetic acid (the precursor to methane (greenhouse gas) production). A greater difference is not desirable as it has a detrimental effect on the function and survival of ruminant protozoa. The results also confirm that the benefits are realized immediately.
ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE FROM TRIAL FARM FARMERS 1. Man alive, did I see some results. Growth was up to 30kg of dry matter a day, compared with 10kg to 15kg normally. The grass just took off. Everything grew, clovers and all. And the cows ate it all, right down and evenly across the paddock - even the urine and dung patches. 2. I've noticed vastly improved recovery on frost damaged pasture, thicker pasture swards and thicker appearance. 'The clover seems to be more prominent and larger leafed. Cows and calves have responded well and choose to graze the treated side for most of the day. 3. Dung is considerably thicker or more solid. Cows seem to graze the paddock harder. When changing to control paddocks dung is thin again. 4. as the conditions have become very wet the control pasture has become quite yellow, where the trial is still nice and green. The animals, trial bulls are a lot better in the coat than the control and look to be in better order. 5. Biozest is a good product and it has helped us take our production from 33,000 kg milk solids to 44,000 with the same number of animals. The goats processed grass more efficiently and lab tests show urea excretion reduced by 37 per cent. 6."...effect on milk production was almost instant. As soon as cows go on to Biozest treated pasture, the fat and protein content shot up. Urine samples from grazing of treated and untreated paddocks show Biozest reduced urea excretion by 33%"
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS The independent trial results support the hypothesis that Biozest pasture treatment will lift farm operating profit by net $1000 per hectare. CONCLUSION Net farm operating profit of $1000 per hectare Reduce greenhouse gas and pollution liabilities Affirm New Zealand s clean green brand