NMSU CattlActive® 
Field Study

NMSU CattlActive® Study: Field Results from New Mexico State University

Real-World Data on CattlActive® in Weaned and Sale Barn Heifer Calves
University-conducted study demonstrates reduced morbidity and improved outcomes with CattlActive® supplementation.
Title

STUDY OVERVIEW

New Mexico State University conducted an independent field study evaluating the effects of CattlActive® on calf health and feed performance under two common production scenarios:

 

Test 1: 60-day trial with ranch-raised, recently weaned heifer calves

 

Test 2: 40-day trial with sale barn-sourced heifer calves

 

Both studies were conducted at the NMSU Test Center feedlot in Tucumcari, New Mexico, utilizing GrowSafe Systems® to monitor feed intake.
Title

STUDY DESIGN

Test 1: Ranch-Raised Heifer Calves (60 Days)

○ Subjects: 32 ranch-raised heifer calves (half-siblings; Angus bull × English crossbred cows)

 

○ Weaning & Pre-Transport: Weaned for 4 days; processed with Blackleg & IBR vaccines and dewormer

 

○ Transport: 2.5-hour haul to NMSU feedlot

 

○ Sorting & Treatment:

  • Randomized into Control and CattlActive® Treatment groups
  • Treatment group received 15 ml CattlActive® Drench orally
  • Control group received 15 ml H₂O orally

○ Feeding:

  • Treatment group received 7.5 g/head/day CattlActive® RA in TMR
  • Control group received standard TMR
  • Sick pulls: Treatment group received 15 ml CattlActive® Drench; Control group received 15 ml H₂O

Test 2: Sale Barn Heifer Calves (40 Days)

○ Subjects: 60 sale barn heifer calves (420–620 lbs), purchased from Tulia Livestock Auction

 

○ Transport: 2.5-hour haul to NMSU feedlot; 24-hour hay-only commingling period

 

○ Processing & Treatment:

  • Randomized into Control and CattlActive® Treatment groups
  • Treatment group received 15 ml CattlActive® Drench orally at processing
  • Control group received 15 ml H₂O orally
  • Both groups received Blackleg & IBR vaccines, dewormer; no implants

○ Feeding:

  • Treatment group received 7.5 g/head/day CattlActive® RA in TMR
  • Control group received standard TMR
  • Sick pulls: Treatment group received 15 ml CattlActive® Drench; Control group received 15 ml H₂O
Title

KEY OUTCOMES

Study 1 (Ranch-Raised Heifer Calves)

  • Cost of gain: $2.17/lb in CattlActive® group vs. $2.55/lb in Control
  • Average total gain: 133.25 lbs in CattlActive® group vs. 115.94 lbs in Control
  • Net proceeds from sick calves: $130.03/head in CattlActive® group vs. $99.70/head in Control
  • Daily feed intake of sick calves: 16.00 lbs/day in CattlActive® group vs. 14.25 lbs/day in Control
  • Total cost/head: $289.50 in CattlActive® group vs. $295.47 in Control

Summary:
In this trial, calves receiving CattlActive® demonstrated improved average daily gain, reduced cost of gain, higher net returns on sick calves, and improved feed intake compared to Control — with lower total cost per head.

Title

Study 2 (Sale Barn Heifer Calves)

  • Cost of gain: $1.88/lb in CattlActive® group vs. $2.40/lb in Control
  • Average total gain: 109 lbs in CattlActive® group vs. 100 lbs in Control
  • Net proceeds from sick calves: $98.21/head in CattlActive® group vs. $47.23/head in Control
  • Daily feed intake of sick calves: 14.30 lbs/day in CattlActive® group vs. 12.44 lbs/day in Control
  • Total cost/head: $204.60 in CattlActive® group vs. $240.14 in Control

Summary:
In this trial, CattlActive®-treated calves showed improved gain, reduced cost of gain, better net returns on sick calves, and higher feed intake — while maintaining a lower total cost per head compared to Control.

Title

OVERALL FINDINGS

Across both trials, CattlActive® supplementation resulted in:

 

✅ Lower cost of gain
✅ Improved total gain
✅ Higher net returns from sick calves
✅ Improved feed intake
✅ Lower total production cost per head

VIEW STUDY DATA

DOWNLOAD STUDY SUMMARY

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