Feedlot Trial Boosted Cattle Weights and Health
Nebraska feedlot operators might see improved carcass yields and reduced liver issues using Farmatan feed additives.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Agriculture
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A University of Nebraska study of 168 cattle found that integrating Farmatan into feedlot diets improved weight gain and reduced internal health complications. The results, observed over a 140-day trial period, offer a potential path for operators looking to optimize livestock performance.
Why it matters
The study suggests that supporting digestive health in cattle can lead to direct improvements in marketable carcass weights and reduced medical losses. For producers, these results provide a concrete benchmark for how nutritional additives might impact bottom-line profitability through improved animal performance.
The 140-day trial of 168 head of cattle demonstrated a 33-pound live-weight advantage and a 21-pound hot carcass weight benefit for high-rate users, alongside a 30 percent reduction in liver abscesses compared to control groups.
The players
University of Nebraska
A public land-grant university that conducts agricultural research for the livestock sector.
The details
The trial evaluated two distinct Farmatan feeding rates incorporated into standard feedlot diets to assess impact on digestion. Farmatan functions by strengthening the integrity of the gut lining in livestock, which facilitates better nutrient absorption and systemic health. This mechanism effectively reduced the incidence of liver abscesses, a common operational concern in concentrated cattle feeding environments.
Timeline
The feedlot trial lasted for a total duration of 140 days.
Market Landscape
This Nebraska research provides a domestic data point that mirrors the long-standing use of Farmatan in European livestock feeding programs. The trial updates established understandings of gut-health supplements by quantifying specific carcass weight gains over a nine-year usage precedent.
Operators should evaluate if the costs of adding digestive health supplements align with the potential gains in hot carcass weight and reduction in liver health losses. Consult with veterinary or nutritional advisors to determine if these results are achievable given your specific feedlot infrastructure.
The takeaway
Optimizing gut health can lead to measurable improvements in cattle weight and reduced medical complications during the finishing phase. Producers should track the weight-gain data from this trial and monitor the performance of their own cattle if implementing similar nutritional strategies.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, see the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RFD-TV.
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