Developing microbial tools for dairy farming systems in New Zealand

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BioBrew

By Malik Altaf Hussain, Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Lincoln University

A probiotic formulation contains live microbes that are fed to animals to promote a healthy gut function. There were various forms of microbial preparations in use to assist animal production for thousands of years.

However, it is only a decade ago that the science and understanding of liquid probiotics has come of age in the general public for animal use. These liquid probiotic formulations flood the gut with billions of microbes that play an important role in the growth, health and vigour of the animal.

Product development

A New Zealand company is striving to develop this technology using local resources. BioBrew Ltd produces fresh and affordable microbial tools for agriculture. Products are developed through ongoing research work in collaboration with Lincoln University. Products are used in a variety of animal nutrition applications, including domesticated species at all stages of development. These quality microbial tools have also shown potential to be used in a variety of environmental applications, many of which have the potential to positively affect economic and environmental sustainability.

Quality assurance

It is vital to ensure the quality control of the probiotics product during the production process and on the final product. A functional QA system monitors genetic purity, microorganism count, level of key bioactive compounds and undesirable components. A consistent quality end product that can deliver expected impacts on animal health is the ultimate goal of QA system. BioBrew Ltd routinely uses independent testing services to ensure quality of its products.

Marketing approach

Of equal importance to the quality of the product is the quality of service connected with its delivery. New Zealand farmers within growing delivery areas receive fresh BioBrew each fortnight. Customers who live outside these areas are able to place orders and small-scale purchases may be fulfilled through company website. We offer every farmer a free sample of our product so they can decide for themselves the effect and value of our product in their farm systems.

BioBrew Ltd was recently named as a finalist in the small enterprise section of the Producer/Manufacturer category of the Champion Canterbury awards.

For more information:

Tel: (0508) BIOBREW or Visit: www.biobrew.net.nz

Dr Malik Hussain is a lecturer in food microbiology at Lincoln University. Research on probiotics is a major component of the activities at Food Microbiology laboratory (the Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Bioscience). If you are interested in probiotics research, email [email protected]

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