Tue, 05 May 2026 11:51:40 +0000

These Isopods Are Changing How Farmers Feed Their Cows—Here’s How! In a surprising twist within modern agriculture, tiny isopods—small, pill-shaped crustaceans often mistaken for mini pill bugs or woodlice—are transforming livestock feeding practices across sustainable farms. While insects have long garnered attention in animal nutrition, isopods are emerging as unexpected but powerful allies in enhancing cattle health, digestion, and feed efficiency. ### What Are These Isopods Doing in Cattle Feeding? Isopods, including species like pill bugs and woodlice, are natural detritivores—fond of decomposing organic matter. When introduced strategically into cow diets through controlled feeding systems, these microscopic decomposers break down fibrous feed materials, helping unlock nutrients that cows’ microbiomes might otherwise struggle to access. Their natural ability to process plant fibers makes them valuable in optimizing forage utilization.