Nebraska Researchers Completed Farmatan Cattle Trial

A 140-day feedlot study showed that Farmatan supplementation improved cattle weight and liver health.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Agriculture

Weathered wooden feed bunk in a vast Nebraska feedlot on a sunny morning, landscape view. — The University of Nebraska completed a 140-day trial showing that Farmatan feed supplement significantly increases live weight and improves cattle health. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of Nebraska has completed a 140-day feedlot trial evaluating the impact of Farmatan on livestock performance. Cattle receiving the higher feeding rate of the digestive health supplement demonstrated significant gains in live weight and hot carcass weight.

Why it matters

The study highlights how Farmatan, a feed ingredient used for over nine years in Europe, may improve digestive health and overall animal performance in domestic feedlots. These findings suggest a potential path for producers to enhance yield and reduce health complications like liver abscesses.

The trial involved 168 head of cattle and yielded a 30 percent reduction in liver abscesses among treated groups. Subjects at the higher feeding rate also achieved a 21-pound hot carcass weight advantage compared to control cattle.

The players

University of Nebraska

This public research university conducted the feedlot study to analyze cattle performance.

The details

Researchers evaluated two specific Farmatan feeding rates against standard feedlot diets to assess performance improvements. The ingredient functions by strengthening the integrity of the gut lining in animals to support digestive health.

The feedlot trial duration lasted 140 days.

Market Landscape

This trial mirrors European feeding standards, signaling a shift in how domestic producers may adopt international dietary practices for livestock. These results position alternative feed ingredients as direct competitors to traditional additives in the pursuit of higher production yields.

Producers and feedlot operators may see improvements in animal growth rates and health outcomes by incorporating this supplement. These performance gains could potentially influence market-ready weight timelines and overall operational efficiency.

The takeaway

Optimizing digestive health via specific feed additives represents a growing focus for maximizing carcass yields. Producers should consider these trial results when evaluating new dietary interventions for their cattle.