In areas of Australia imported dung beetles have been shown to increase the pasture growth response by 27% over a two year period.
Dung beetles play a critical role in grazing ecosystems. By burying dung in the soil, the beetles improve the flow of water, nutrients and carbon into the root zones of pastures, which improves pasture productivity.
By burying dung, the beetles prevent build-up of flies and parasites which in turn improves animal health, productivity and lifestyle conditions for graziers and surrounding communities.
More research needs to occur in this area. One of outcomes of the DBEE project will be an analysis of the economic benefits for livestock producers.