+29% Weight Gain.
Firmer Stools. Cleaner Pens.
5ml Per Calf Per Day.
A Wintec research trial investigated the effect of AgriSea Animal Nutrition on newborn dairy calves over 12 weeks. Supplemented calves gained 29% more weight, showed more consistent mob growth, and kept cleaner pens – the practical results that matter most at rearing time.
The Results Dairy Farmers Need to See
How you rear your calves sets the tone for their lifetime productivity. Every NZ dairy farmer wants calves that grow fast, stay healthy, wean well, and don't create a mess in the shed. This Wintec trial tested whether a small daily dose of AgriSea Animal Nutrition could make a measurable difference to all three.
+29% More Weight Gain
Over 12 weeks, AgriSea calves gained significantly more weight than controls (p = 0.06). That is a meaningful head start heading into winter – and at the weighbridge when it's time to sell.
More Even Mob Growth
The lighter calves in the supplemented group caught up faster, narrowing the weight spread within the mob. More consistent animals mean simpler management decisions at weaning.
Firmer Stools, Less Scouring
AgriSea calves' faeces did not become as soft as the control group. Less scours risk, less time hosing out pens, and calves that stay in better condition through the rearing period.
Trivial Cost, Real Return
For a 100-calf mob over 12 weeks, the total supplement cost is approximately $500. The weight gain advantage alone is worth multiples of that at current store cattle prices.
The Trial Setup
Twelve calves were collected on the day of birth, weighed, and randomly split into two equal groups of six. Both groups received identical feed, housing, and management throughout – the only variable was AgriSea supplementation.
Trial conducted by Anita Axcell, Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology). Approved by Wintec Animal Ethics Committee. Methodology included DNA extraction, real-time PCR with species-specific primers, and gel electrophoresis validation.
Weight Gain Results
The headline result is straightforward: calves receiving 5ml of AgriSea Animal Nutrition per day gained approximately 29% more weight over the 12-week trial than control calves on identical feed.
Weight Gain Over 12 Weeks
Relative comparison – AgriSea supplemented vs control (same feed, housing and management)
Stool Quality & Pen Cleanliness
The managing farmer noted a clear and consistent difference: AgriSea calves' faeces did not become as soft as the control calves. Firmer stools mean cleaner animals, less pen washdown time, and reduced risk of scours-related setbacks during the critical early weeks.
Stool Firmness (Observed)
Farmer observation throughout the 12-week period – firmer is better
What It Costs vs What You Get
At 5ml per calf per day, AgriSea Animal Nutrition is one of the lowest-cost interventions available during calf rearing – and one of the most measurable.
| Dose per calf per day | 5ml |
| Approximate cost per calf per day | ~6 cents |
| Cost per calf over full 12-week rearing period | ~$5.00 |
| Total cost for 100-calf mob – full 12 weeks | ~$500 |
The Science Behind the Results
The trial also investigated rumen microbial development using real-time PCR analysis – the kind of detailed work that helps explain why the product performs the way it does in the field.
Rumen Colonisation from Week 3
Total bacteria and Ruminococcus albus were present from week 3 in both groups, confirming that rumen development begins very early – and that supporting it from birth makes biological sense.
All Key Microorganisms Established
By week 12, all expected rumen microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, methanogens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and R. albus – were establishing in both groups.
Individually Distinct Microbial Ecosystems
Each calf developed a distinct microbial profile, supporting the idea that AgriSea works by providing broad nutritional support rather than targeting a single metabolic pathway.
Broad Spectrum, Not a Silver Bullet
The results are consistent with what you'd expect from a product with a full trace mineral profile, pre and probiotics, and 20 of 21 amino acids – comprehensive support during the most critical developmental window.
What's in AgriSea Animal Nutrition?
AgriSea Animal Nutrition is a fermented seaweed product made from New Zealand's native Ecklonia radiata kelp. Cold fermentation preserves bioactivity – meaning the trace elements, amino acids and probiotics arrive in a form animals can actually use.
Full Spectrum Minerals & Trace Elements
Including cobalt, selenium and copper – commonly deficient in NZ soils and critical for early calf development and immune function.
Pre & Probiotics
Support gut health and rumen development from day one – exactly when the microbial ecosystem is most vulnerable and most plastic.
20 of 21 Known Amino Acids
A near-complete amino acid profile supporting protein synthesis, muscle development and immune response during the fastest growth phase of a calf's life.
Antioxidants & Vitamins
Delivered in naturally balanced, bioavailable form – not synthetic isolates – providing broad support for the developing immune and digestive systems.
AgriSea's Calf Rearing Protocol
The following protocol is based on AgriSea's recommended programme for dairy calf rearing. It builds on the trial results above and gives calves the best possible nutritional support from the moment they enter the shed through to weaning and beyond.
Full Programme Cost – 100 Calves Over 12 Weeks
| Entry drench – 20ml per calf on arrival (100 calves) | ~$24 |
| Daily dose – 5ml per calf per day, 84 days (100 calves) | ~$500 |
| Baseline programme total – 100 calves, full 12 weeks | ~$524 |
| Scours / ill thrift treatment – 50ml/day × 4 days (per affected calf) | ~$2.40 each |
| Total programme (baseline + scours treatment, estimated 10% of mob) | ~$548 |
Scours total assumes approximately 10% of calves (10 from a 100-calf mob) require the 4-day treatment course, adding ~$24 to the programme cost. Actual use will vary by season and management. All cost estimates are indicative and based on recommended retail dosing rates.
Recommended Product
This AgriSea product was used in the Wintec research trial to achieve 29% more weight gain, firmer stools, and cleaner pens at just 5ml per calf per day.
Animal Nutrition
Fermented seaweed supplement providing full-spectrum minerals, pre & probiotics, and 20 amino acids to support calf growth, gut health, and rumen development from day one.
Learn MoreGive Your Calves the Best Start This Season
Talk to your local AgriSea Field Consultant about integrating Animal Nutrition into your calf rearing programme. Available in bulk for farm water systems or individual dosing.
Explore Animal Nutrition