17% Lower SCC. Better Conception.
37% Higher B12 Status.
Proven Across 1,357 Commercial Dairy Cows over 9 Months.
Cognosco – the research arm of Annexa Animal Health – conducted an independent trial across multiple commercial Waikato herds. The results show consistent SCC control, earlier conception and better trace element status – all of which translate directly into dollars for NZ dairy farmers.
Three Results That Matter Most to a Dairy Farmer
Cognosco enrolled 1,357 dairy cows across commercial Waikato herds, split evenly between a control group and a group receiving 60ml of AgriSea Animal Nutrition once per week via a trained technician. The trial ran through one of the worst droughts in 70 years, placing herds under significant additional stress.
Three results stood out as most directly relevant to farm profitability: SCC control across the whole season, faster conception, and a sustained lift in B12 and trace element status.
Somatic Cell Count – What the Data Shows
The AgriSea group maintained a lower SCC than the control group at every measurement point across the season. Looking at all four time points together, the average SCC reduction across the season was approximately 24,000 cells/ml – a reduction of around 17% compared to the control group on a seasonal average basis.
Average SCC – All Herds Combined (approximate ×1,000 cells/ml)
AgriSea group vs control across all four seasonal measurement points
What a 17% SCC Reduction Is Worth
High SCC is one of the most costly issues in NZ dairying. DairyNZ estimates that mastitis costs the average NZ farmer $54,500 per year – through lost milk production, treatment costs, labour, discarded milk and culling. Using DairyNZ's own benchmark that approximately 15% of cows carry subclinical mastitis for every 100,000 cells/ml of bulk tank SCC, the average 24,000 cell/ml reduction recorded in this trial translates into a meaningful reduction in infected cow numbers.
SCC Reduction – What It Means for Your Herd
Fewer Mastitis Cases – Less Treatment Cost
Each clinical mastitis case costs an estimated $300–$500 in treatment, labour and lost production. Eleven fewer subclinically infected cows in a 300-cow herd represents a significant direct saving – before any grading penalties are considered.
SCC Spike Prevention – Grading Risk Reduced
The trial showed SCC spikes were consistently prevented in treated cows. A vat grade triggered by a SCC spike above 400,000 cells/ml can cost thousands in penalties and lost supply – prevention is far cheaper than remediation.
Herd 2 Standout: 115,000 Lower in Drought
In the most dramatic individual herd result, the AgriSea group ran 115,000 cells/ml lower than the control – under drought stress conditions. Using DairyNZ's benchmark, that equates to approximately 17% fewer infected cows, or around 51 fewer cases in a 300-cow herd.
SCC & Production Are Linked
Elevated SCC suppresses milk production. Research consistently shows that each 100,000 cell/ml increase above 50,000 is associated with a reduction in milk yield. Keeping SCC lower maintains peak production for longer across the season.
Individual Herd Results
Dried Off Early
This herd was dried off early due to the severity of the drought, limiting available data. Positive trends were seen in the treatment group for the available period.
115,000 Cells/ml Lower
Even under drought stress, the AgriSea group ran 115,000 cells/ml lower than controls – equivalent to approximately 17% fewer infected cows. The largest single herd result in the trial.
Reversed From Above Control
The treatment group started the trial with a higher SCC than the control group and was dramatically reduced over the season – showing AgriSea can bring elevated SCC back under control.
Conception Rate – 3.2 Days Earlier. Updated for Today's Payout.
Cows receiving 60ml per week conceived 3.2 days sooner than controls. Every day earlier a cow conceives is one more day of milk production in the following season. At the current Fonterra forecast of $9.50/kg MS – more than double the original trial payout – this result is worth significantly more today.
| Conception rate advantage | 3.2 days earlier |
| Herd size (trial basis) | 300 cows |
| Peak milk solids per cow per day | 1.80 kg MS |
| Additional milk solids produced | 1,382 kg MS |
| Original trial payout (at time of trial) | $4.40/kg MS → $7,903 |
| Current value at $9.50/kg MS (Fonterra current forecast) | $13,129 |
| Net advantage per 300-cow herd per season | $13,129 |
Trace Elements – B12 Up 37%, Copper Significantly Increased
Twenty animals per herd were blood and liver sampled for trace element concentrations. The results explain much of the SCC and conception improvement – better trace element status underpins immune function, rumen performance and reproductive health.
| Element | Result | Why It Matters for Dairy |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 +37% by October | Significant increase | B12 is produced in the rumen via cobalt and is critical for feed utilisation, protein synthesis and metabolic health. Higher B12 means the cow gets more from every kilogram of DM consumed. |
| Copper Significant increase | Significant increase | Copper deficiency is widespread in NZ pastoral systems. It is directly linked to immune function, hoof health and reproductive performance – all major cost drivers on-farm. |
| Zinc Positive trend | Positive trend | Zinc supports udder tissue integrity and skin health – consistent with the SCC and udder cleanliness improvements seen in this trial. Also plays a role in reproductive hormone function. |
| Selenium Positive trend | Positive trend | Selenium deficiency increases the risk of retained placentas, white muscle disease and poor colostrum quality at calving – all events with direct costs at the most critical time of year. |
Average B12 Levels – Combined Herds
Both groups similar at baseline – AgriSea group 37% higher by late season
Additional Observations Across the Trial
Udder Cleanliness
A slight improvement in udder cleanliness was noted in the treatment group – consistent with the immune support and reduced SCC recorded throughout.
Coat Condition
Coat condition was improved in treated animals, reflecting better trace element status and overall nutritional balance – a visible indicator of metabolic health.
Milk Volume
A slight improvement in milk volume was recorded in the treatment group – consistent with the B12 lift and improved feed conversion seen in the trace element results.
Facial Eczema
Facial eczema incidence was reduced in the AgriSea group. The drought depressed spore counts so a full quantitative assessment was not possible from this trial alone.
Conservative Dose
The standard 60ml/week was maintained throughout. AgriSea recommends increasing rates at calving, mating and stress periods – meaning these results represent a minimum baseline.
Drought Context
The entire trial ran during a 70-year drought event. Every result shown was achieved under conditions harder than a typical NZ dairy season.
What's in AgriSea Animal Nutrition?
AgriSea Animal Nutrition is a cold-fermented seaweed product made from New Zealand's native Ecklonia radiata kelp. Cold fermentation preserves bioactivity – trace elements, amino acids and probiotics arrive in a form that is immediately usable by the animal, which is why small doses produce measurable outcomes.
Full Trace Element Spectrum
Including cobalt (B12 precursor), copper, zinc and selenium – the four deficiencies most consistently linked to this trial's results and most common in NZ pastoral dairy systems.
Pre & Probiotics
Supporting rumen microbiome health and gut integrity – directly linked to the B12 production and feed conversion improvements seen in this trial.
20 of 21 Known Amino Acids
Supporting milk protein synthesis, immune response and reproductive hormone function through the full production season.
Phytochemicals & Long-Chain Sugars
Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating compounds that support SCC control and resilience during mating, calving and high-stress periods.
Recommended Products
AgriSea Animal Nutrition was used in this trial to achieve 17% lower SCC, faster conception, and 37% higher B12 status.
Animal Nutrition
Seaweed-based nutrition supplement for dairy cattle that reduces SCC, improves conception rates, and increases trace element status including B12 for better feed conversion
Learn MoreProduct: AgriSea Animal Nutrition | Dose: 60ml per cow per week | Administration: trained technician
SCC cost analysis based on DairyNZ published average ($54,500/farm/year) and 15%-per-100k benchmark. *Conception advantage calculated at $9.50/kg MS; original trial payout was $4.40/kg MS. Actual returns will vary.
Add AgriSea to Your Herd This Season
Available in bulk for in-line water dosing or individual supplementation. Talk to your local AgriSea Field Consultant about the right programme for your herd size and system.
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