B.FLT.4022 - Veterinary feed additive safety program for the Australian feedlot industry
Simple feedlot practices, like using the right tank design and controlling additive particle size, can significantly improve veterinary feed additives consistency, reduce animal health risk, and strengthen food safety outcomes.
| Project start date: | 20 April 2023 |
| Project end date: | 01 August 2026 |
| Publication date: | 01 September 2026 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
This project investigated how veterinary feed additives, particularly molasses‑based liquid supplements used to deliver products such as monensin are manufactured, stored and managed in Australian feedlots, and how these practices affect animal welfare, feed safety and supplement consistency. Through surveys of feedlots and manufacturers, on‑farm sampling, and controlled benchtop trials, the study generated robust data showing that ingredient particle size, manufacturer quality assurance, and feedlot storage practices are critical determinants of supplement integrity - while common practices such as aeration do not improve consistency and may increase risk. These findings provide an evidence‑based foundation for practical industry guidelines, allowing feedlots and manufacturers to refine supplement specifications, storage infrastructure and quality assurance processes to reduce toxicity risk, support animal health, and strengthen food safety and regulatory compliance across the feedlot sector.
Objectives
The key objectives of this project is to assess how veterinary feed additives, particularly liquid supplements, are manufactured, stored and managed across Australian feedlots, and how these practices influence supplement consistency, animal welfare and food safety. Specifically, the project aimed to survey feedlots and supplement manufacturers, evaluate the use and management of additives such as monensin, measure variation in key supplement nutrients during storage and use, and investigate whether mixing methods like aeration or recirculation improve supplement integrity over time, ultimately to inform a practical, evidence‑based best‑practice manual for industry.
Key findings
Supplement consistency and safety are largely driven by manufacturer quality assurance, strict control of additive particle size, and good feedlot storage practices, while mixing methods such as aeration offer no benefit and may increase risk. Simple actions like using cone‑bottom tanks, avoiding shared delivery lines, ensuring adequate turnover, and using duplicate lab testing were shown to significantly reduce variability and improve animal health and food safety outcomes.
Benefits to industry
The creation of Feed Additive Safety Best Practice manuals as a result of this project provide clear benefits to the Australian feedlot industry by providing evidence‑based guidance that improves supplement consistency, animal welfare, and food safety while reducing operational risk. It shows that feedlots can rely on manufacturer quality assurance and achieve better outcomes through simple, low‑cost management practices such as appropriate tank design, proper turnover, and effective inventory control - rather than investing in unnecessary mixing systems. These findings support more confident decision‑making, improved compliance with accreditation requirements, and more efficient, safer use of veterinary feed additives across the supply chain.
MLA action
MLA will continue to support the strategic R&D needs of Australian lot feeders in relation to the importance of veterinary feed additive safety and it's effects on animal health, welfare and performance.
Future research
The project identified future research needs around improving laboratory testing accuracy and sensitivity for liquid supplements, reviewing delivery tanker cleaning to reduce contamination risk, and further assessing the long‑term effects of mixing or recirculation on supplement stability.
More information
| Project manager: | Liz Pearson |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
