Fermented Foods for Livestock: How Our Farmers Use Probiotics to Boost Health
Many farmers are familiar with the importance of soil health and the microbiome, but did you know that fermented foods can play a crucial role in supporting livestock gut health too? More farmers are turning to probiotics and beneficial bacteria to improve animal well-being, reduce disease risk, and lower vet bills. Let’s hear from four farmers who are seeing incredible results using ferments on their farms.
Kombucha for Sheep: A Farmer’s Experiment
Jane Dobson, who runs Broadstone Rare Breeds near Preseli National Park, has seen firsthand the benefits of using fermented foods for both herself and her sheep. She brews homemade Kombucha, a fermented tea packed with beneficial microbes. After experiencing improved personal health from daily doses, Jane decided to introduce a small amount to her flock—“just a small glug in their water for 10 days every month.”
Results:
- Lambs were noticeably cleaner around their back ends, reducing the risk of fly-strike.
- Ovine worms were significantly reduced, even in warm, wet weather.
Watch Jane talk about her Kombucha experiment below >>
“I’m sure the sheep feel really well—it’s really made a difference to the lambs.”
Apple Cider Vinegar: A Natural Health Booster for Poultry
Why ACV?
- Supports gut health and digestion.
- Acts as a natural wormer and immune booster.
- May help prevent coccidiosis—a 2018 study found that broilers given ACV showed no signs of infection, unlike untreated groups. (Read the study)
Kefir for Calves: Strengthening the Gut from Day One
Dairy farmer Sally Wood of So Good Organic started feeding kefir—a fermented milk rich in probiotics—to her calves in 2019. She noticed a dramatic improvement in their health and growth.
The Benefits of Kefir:
- Populates the gut with beneficial bacteria and yeast.
- Helps inhibit harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
- Reduces reliance on antibiotics and vet interventions.
Sally believes in the power of fermentation so much that she’s developing a step-by-step course on producing and feeding kefir for livestock—coming soon to our WHAg learning platform!
She also uses Bokashi, a method of fermenting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for her kitchen garden, further connecting soil health to animal health.
“I strongly believe that we are what we eat. Soil health and the life within it are of great interest to us on the farm, as we feel it all begins with a vibrant, active soil. Merlin Sheldrake’s book ‘Entangled Life’ has opened our eyes to the life under our feet, and how important it really is.”
Korean Natural Farming (KNF): ‘Rocket Fuel’ for Land & Livestock
Irish farmer Thomas Stack has taken fermentation a step further, using Korean Natural Farming (KNF) techniques to revolutionize his dairy system. After training in KNF in 2018, he transitioned his 60-head dairy herd to 100% grass-fed and has seen a surplus of high-quality forage ever since.
How KNF Works:
- Uses fermented indigenous microorganisms (IMOs) to enhance soil and plant health.
- Spraying fermented IMO solutions boosts pasture quality naturally.
- Reduces input costs while maintaining productivity.
Thomas calls KNF “rocket fuel” for the land and says,
“I know why I’m farming and why I’m doing this—we’re not thinking in cycles; we’re thinking in generations.”
Join the Fermenting Farmers Movement
Fermented foods are proving to be a powerful tool for natural livestock health and sustainable farming. Whether it’s Kombucha for sheep, ACV for poultry, kefir for calves, or KNF for soil health—these farmers are leading the way in holistic animal care.
Do you use fermented foods or beneficial microbes on your farm? Share your experiences with us—we’d love to hear from you!
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