In the world of dairy farming, calf health is one of the most critical pillars for productive success. With this challenge in mind, PhageLab has taken another step in its mission to deliver innovative solutions to the sector by announcing—together with MSD Animal Health—the launch of PHAGEIN in Brazil. The launch event, aimed at veterinarians and broadcast live on MSD Animal Health’s YouTube channel, featured insights from Camilo Avendaño, Head of Customer Experience at PhageLab.
This launch on Brazilian soil marks a strategic milestone for PhageLab, bringing to market a cutting-edge biotechnology solution for managing calf health. In addition to reinforcing its expertise in the development of tailor-made bacteriophage-based therapies, the company significantly expands its presence in the Brazilian market by integrating this innovation into MSD’s portfolio, one of the global leaders in animal health
In 2024, mortality among dairy calves in Brazil due to neonatal diarrhea remained a major concern for the national livestock sector. Data from the IDEAGRI Institute, based on an analysis of 69,000 calves, indicates that approximately 21% of recorded deaths were attributed to neonatal diarrhea.
PHAGEIN was developed to prevent and combat neonatal calf diarrhea—a recurring issue on dairy farms. The technology leverages bacteriophages, naturally occurring viruses that selectively target pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, while preserving beneficial gut microbiota and supporting the animals’ digestive and immune health. During the launch event in Brazil, Avendaño explained how the product works precisely and effectively within the calves’ systems.
The benefits are direct and measurable: by significantly reducing cases of neonatal diarrhea, PHAGEIN helps lower mortality and loss rates, while also promoting healthier growth and greater weight gain in the animals. It also presents a smart alternative to the overuse of antibiotics, helping to mitigate bacterial resistance—a growing challenge in modern livestock production.
The partnership with MSD Animal Health further strengthens PHAGEIN’s value proposition by combining PhageLab’s technological innovation with the reach and strength of a global leader in animal health. For Rafael, Dairy Cattle Market Manager at MSD, this partnership represents a major step forward:
“PHAGEIN is unlike anything we’ve worked with so far. It’s an additive that we mix into calves’ milk to help control the main bacteria causing diarrhea. PHAGEIN completes our intestinal health solution package within MSD’s First Steps program, promoting rational antibiotic use.”
Rafael also emphasized that field team support is key to the product’s effectiveness:
“PHAGEIN is a highly technical product and requires guidance and instruction for the farmers who will use it. That’s why our veterinarian partners and internal team are fundamental to the success of this effort,” he added.
The launch of PHAGEIN in Brazil represents a major step forward in the pursuit of more modern and responsible practices for calf health management. PhageLab remains firmly committed to developing solutions that unite science and technology—solutions that can transform agricultural realities and support farmers in building a more efficient and resilient livestock industry.
