AgriSea for Cows and Calves

Seaweed-based nutrition designed to support stronger calves, healthier cows and more resilient dairy and beef systems from birth through to peak production.

AgriSea's seaweed-based nutrition products have been helping New Zealand farmers achieve measurable improvements with their dairy and beef cattle for three decades. Our proven formulations support every stage of life – discover exactly what AgriSea can do for your herd.

Cattle face significant nutritional and health challenges throughout their productive lives – from the stress of calving and transition periods to the demands of peak lactation or rapid growth. Common on-farm challenges such as milk fever, down cows, high somatic cell counts, empty rates, grass staggers and mastitis often reflect underlying metabolic and mineral imbalances. AgriSea provides comprehensive nutritional support using sustainably harvested New Zealand brown kelp seaweed (Ecklonia radiata), processed using our proprietary cold-brewing fermentation technology to preserve vital nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Our seaweed extracts contain vital minerals and trace elements in bioavailable forms, natural growth factors, amino acids, vitamins, and unique polysaccharides that support immune function, gut health, and overall vitality. When you supplement with AgriSea, you're supporting immune resilience, metabolic balance and mineral status – key foundations for maintaining udder health, stable somatic cell counts and consistent milk quality throughout lactation.

Research also indicates improved nitrogen efficiency and reduced urinary nitrogen excretion, contributing to more environmentally resilient dairy and beef systems.

Whether you're managing a commercial dairy herd, rearing replacement calves, or finishing cattle for beef, AgriSea offers targeted nutritional support backed by research, proven in practice, and trusted by farmers around the world.

Proven Benefits

Calf Vitality

29% increase in weight gain percentage in calves

Growth Performance

Beef cattle weaners achieved 23% increase in average daily weight gain

Milk Production & Udder Health

17% lower somatic cell counts, reducing levels by up to 115,000 in drought-stressed herds

(source: Cognosco's Animal Nutrition Research Project, 2013)

Reproductive Performance

Cows conceived 3.2 days faster

(source: Cognosco's Animal Nutrition Research Project, 2013)

Mineral Status & Metabolic Balance

37% higher B12 with increased copper, zinc and selenium levels

(source: Cognosco's Animal Nutrition Research Project, 2013)

Increased milk yield alongside improved Olsen P, sulphur, potassium, magnesium and trace elements following significant nitrogen reduction

Resilience & Antioxidant Protection

15% increase in total antioxidant status using Animal Nutrition, supporting resilience during mastitis, heat stress, facial eczema and oxidative stress risk periods

Animal Nutrition reduced facial eczema incidence, noting low spore counts limited full assessment

(source: Cognosco's Animal Nutrition Research Project, 2013)

Specific Help for Your Cattle

Practical guidance for using AgriSea with different classes of cattle

Dairy Cows

Transition Cow Management

Support cows through the critical transition period to strengthen mineral balance and metabolic resilience during high-risk periods for milk fever, ketosis and down cows.

Start supplementation atleast 3 weeks before calving

Continue through early lactation (first 60 days)

Monitor body condition and energy levels

Combine with good transition cow nutrition programme

Mastitis & Udder Health Support

Use AgriSea's immune-boosting properties to help maintain udder health and support lower somatic cell counts during high-risk periods.

Administer consistently throughout lactation

Pay special attention during high-risk periods (calving, peak milk)

Combine with good milking hygiene practices

Monitor somatic cell counts regularly

Peak Lactation Support

Maintain milk production and cow health during the demanding lactation period.

Ensure consistent daily supplementation

Support feed intake and appetite

Monitor body condition to prevent excessive loss

Calves

Colostrum and Early Life

Give calves the best start with AgriSea supplementation from day one to support immune development.

Drench each calf with 20ml upon first arrival to the shed

Continue 5ml/calf daily through milk feeding period

Monitor health closely in first 2 weeks

Support gut health and nutrient absorption

Scours Prevention

Reduce scours incidence with AgriSea's gut health and immune-supporting properties.

Start supplementation early (from birth)

Feed consistently through high-risk period

Combine with good hygiene and management

Administer a 100ml dose three times over 24 hours to affected calves

Weaning Transition

Help calves navigate the stressful weaning period with continued AgriSea support.

Continue supplementation through weaning

Support appetite and feed intake on solid feeds

Reduce weaning stress and health challenges

Maintain growth rates through transition

Beef Cattle

Breeding Cow Nutrition

Support breeding cows through pregnancy and lactation for better reproductive success.

Supplement throughout pregnancy

Continue through lactation to support milk production

Maintain body condition for re-breeding

Support calf health through maternal nutrition

Growing Cattle

Maximise growth rates and feed efficiency in growing beef cattle.

Improve weight gain and reduce animal health expenses

Support frame development and muscle growth

Improve feed conversion efficiency

Build strong, healthy animals for finishing or breeding

Support mineral balance during periods of grass staggers and facial eczema risk

Dosage Rates

Follow these recommended usage rates for common challenges such as milk fever, grass staggers, transition stress and reproductive support.

Animal Nutrition and Fortress+

Calves

  • 20ml drench per calf on arrival to shed
  • 5ml/calf per day until weaned in milk
  • Sick calf/scours/staggers – 100mls three times over 24 hours

Beef and dairy

  • 5ml/cow per day for general health maintenance
  • 10ml/cow per day for high stress periods (calving, mating, drought, high spore count, high SCC etc)
  • Down/sick cow – 3 x 500ml over 24 hours followed by 250ml/day for 3 days

Animal+

Calves, Cows, Cattle, Horses

  • 15g/day per animal – health maintenance (1.5kg per 100 animals per day)
  • 30g/day per animal – high stress dosage (3kg per 100 animals per day)

Note: Consult your local AgriSea Area Field Consultant for specific recommendations tailored to your operation and performance goals.

Case Studies & Research

Explore on-farm case studies, independent trials and peer-reviewed research insights demonstrating how AgriSea supports dairy and beef systems across New Zealand.

CASE STUDIES

Dreamview Farm: "Paddock 30 Has Never Seen So Much Grass" – A Family's Sustainable Dairy Success

Overlooking Whaingaroa Harbour and the Tasman Sea, the Hill family's Dreamview Farm combines dairy farming with an award-winning creamery producing local A2 milk in glass bottles. When daughters Jess (Ag degree) and Kathy (soil science) convinced their parents to trial AgriSea Combo+ against conventional fertiliser, the results spoke for themselves: "Paddock 30 has never seen so much grass in it," said father David after seeing the AgriSea paddock.

CASE STUDIES

Finding the sweet spot: how Chris Parry grew production with fewer cows

Most farmers add cows to increase production. Chris Parry did the opposite, and it worked. He cut cow numbers from 285 to 228 and still lifted production from 71,000 to over 100,000 kilograms of milksolids. It wasn't about chasing more inputs or pushing the farm harder. For Chris, the real shift began when he started paying attention to what was happening beneath the surface — in the soil.

CASE STUDIES

18.5% Faster Lamb Growth on AgriSea Treated Pasture

A Lincoln University trial - now published in the peer-reviewed journal Agriculture - confirms that AgriSea Soil, Pasture & Ocean Nutrition applied to ryegrass-clover pasture delivers heavier lambs, healthier ewes, and less metabolic stress. One application from lambing to weaning.

Recommended Products

These AgriSea products are specifically formulated for cattle nutrition

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about using AgriSea with cows and calves

How does AgriSea benefit cows and calves?

AgriSea provides natural seaweed nutrition that enhances immune function, improves gut health, supports milk production, and promotes overall vitality. The bioactive compounds in seaweed - including minerals, amino acids, and natural growth factors - work synergistically to optimise cow health and productivity. For calves, AgriSea supports rapid healthy growth, stronger immune systems, and better feed conversion efficiency during critical development phases.

When should I start supplementing calves with AgriSea?

AgriSea can be introduced from birth onwards. Many farmers mix it into colostrum or milk replacer from day one to support early immune development and gut health. Continue through milk feeding and transition to solid feed, as this early supplementation establishes strong foundations for lifelong health and productivity. These critical early weeks benefit enormously from the immune-supporting compounds in seaweed.

Can AgriSea reduce mastitis and somatic cell counts?

Yes, research and on-farm experience consistently show that AgriSea supplementation helps reduce mastitis incidence and lower somatic cell counts. The natural anti-inflammatory compounds and immune-supporting nutrients in seaweed help cows maintain healthier udders and fight infections more effectively. Many dairy farmers report substantial reductions in clinical mastitis cases after introducing AgriSea to their feeding programmes.

Will AgriSea help improve reproductive performance?

Yes, many farmers report improved reproductive outcomes including better conception rates, reduced calving intervals, and easier calvings. The comprehensive mineral profile and bioactive compounds in seaweed support optimal reproductive function, egg quality, embryo development, and uterine health. Better cow body condition and reduced metabolic stress also contribute to improved fertility and successful pregnancies.

Can I use AgriSea alongside other supplements and medications?

Yes, AgriSea is a natural nutritional supplement that works well alongside conventional supplements, minerals and medications. There are no known interactions or withdrawal periods. Many farmers find they can reduce reliance on some supplements as the comprehensive nutrition in seaweed addresses multiple nutritional needs. Always consult your veterinarian about your specific supplement programme and animal health protocols.

How long does it take to see results from AgriSea supplementation?

Results vary depending on the metric, but many farmers report noticeable visual improvements within 2-4 weeks. Coat condition and animal vitality often improve quickly. Reproductive improvements and reduced disease incidence become clearer over 2-3 months. For calves, faster growth rates and better health are often apparent within the first month of supplementation.

Is AgriSea suitable for organic farming operations?

Yes, AgriSea products are made from sustainably harvested New Zealand seaweed using natural cold-brewing fermentation. Many of our products are certified for organic production systems. Check with your certification body and AgriSea Area Field Consultant to ensure the specific products you're interested in meet your organic standards and certification requirements.

Ready to Strengthen Your Herd's Performance?

Whether you're focused on calf growth, milk production, fertility or whole-herd resilience, AgriSea provides natural, science-backed nutrition that works with your farming system. Speak to your local AgriSea Field Consultant today.