Plain-language definitions.

Protein in stored hay that's become bound to carbohydrates via the Maillard reaction — the same browning chemistry that happens in cooking. ADIP is largely indigestible to livestock; it shows up on a lab forage analysis as protein that's there but not nutritionally available. High ADIP indicates the hay heated significantly in storage.

The average weight a cattle animal gains per day over a measurement period. Used to evaluate feed efficiency, ration quality, and forage performance.

A species of beneficial soil bacterium widely used in agricultural biocontrol applications. It produces antifungal lipopeptides (surfactin, iturin, fengycin) that suppress moulds and yeasts. The DB38 strain in HayRite is a specific selection within this species.

The standard measurement of viable bacteria in a product. HayRite contains ≥10⁹ CFU per millilitre — i.e., at least one billion viable bacterial cells in every millilitre of product.

The biological mechanism where a beneficial population establishes on a surface or in an ecosystem first, occupying the niche and consuming the resources that would otherwise feed harmful organisms. The basis for how HayRite works.

The specific Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain in HayRite, selected from the same Queensland research lineage that produced the H57 sister strain. NCBI accession SUB15815306.

The amount of feed (excluding water) an animal consumes per day. A primary metric for ration evaluation; reduced DMI on a forage usually indicates palatability problems.

Lab testing of a hay sample to measure crude protein, fiber digestibility, ADIP, mineral content, and other nutritional parameters. Used by dairy and beef nutritionists to design rations.

The international standard for classifying and labelling chemical and biological products by hazard. HayRite is not classified as hazardous under GHS.

A US FDA designation for substances that have been adequately shown to be safe for their intended use. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as a species has GRAS status for many feed applications.

The sister strain to DB38, also Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, characterized in published feeding studies (Ngo et al. 2021; Pan et al. 2022). Manufactured at the same QUT MRBPP Mackay facility as DB38.

The common name for Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) in horses — a chronic respiratory condition strongly associated with dust and mould exposure from hay. The veterinary equivalent of asthma in humans.

A class of naturally produced antifungal compounds. Bacillus species produce three main types — surfactin, iturin, and fengycin — which together suppress mould and yeast growth on hay surfaces.

The chemical reaction between protein and carbohydrate that produces ADIP in heated hay. The same reaction that browns meat in a pan. In stored hay, the Maillard reaction kicks in above 120–130°F and accelerates rapidly with rising temperatures.

Toxic compounds produced by certain moulds. The relevant mycotoxins in hay include DON (deoxynivalenol), T-2 toxin, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A. Mycotoxin contamination is a major concern in dairy and equine forage.

The organic acid used in chemical hay preservatives. Works by lowering hay pH below the threshold that supports mould growth. Buffered propionic (the dominant commercial form) is less corrosive than straight propionic but still requires acid-handling protocols.

Queensland University of Technology's Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant. The 1000-litre commercial-scale fermentation facility where HayRite (and the H57 sister strain) are manufactured.

The technical name for heaves in horses. A chronic respiratory disease driven primarily by dust and mould exposure from hay. The dominant controllable factor in RAO management is hay quality.

The count of immune cells in milk — a marker of udder inflammation and milk quality. Elevated SCC can be associated with mastitis or feed-related stress, including mycotoxin exposure from contaminated hay.

The standardized regulatory document summarizing a product's hazards, handling, storage, and emergency response information. See the HayRite SDS information page →

A dormant, environmentally resistant form of a bacterium. Over 90% of the Bacillus in HayRite is in spore form, which is why the product has a 12–24 month shelf life. Spores germinate and become active when applied to the moist hay surface.

A feeding system, common in dairy operations, where forage, grain, supplements, and other feed ingredients are combined into a single uniform mix. Forage quality consistency is critical for TMR rations.

The mandatory waiting period between treatment and feeding (or harvest, for crops). HayRite has no withholding period — treated hay can be fed immediately.