Welcome to RCI

Established in Australia in 1957 the Ruth Group manufactures an extensive range of veterinary products, animal feed supplements, biologicals and algaecides. Rural Chemical Industries (Aust) Pty Ltd, ABN 16 003 842 402 is the holding company of Ruth Consolidated Industries Pty Ltd, ABN 18 001 840 080. They operate separately in overseas and local markets. Both are wholly owned family companies operating under the distinctive RCI logo. Learn more

Aided by a grant from the Australian Government the Group researched the debilitating effects of hostile climates on farmed livestock. This continuing research lead to the development of a number of unique products and strategies to overcome the production limiting factors affecting livestock and poultry farmed in these harsh climates. Learn more or watch our explanatory video on heat stress in Chickens available in English, Arabic and Mandarin.

Click on the respective tabs above for detailed information on all of our activities and to discover more about RCI Products including rodent control products and algae control products, as well as Heat Stress, Farm Pest Control and Copper deficiency in ruminants.

For a quick search for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) click here:

RCI Products

Over the 50+ years we have been manufacturing products for farmers our guiding principle ”We bring science to your farm” has shaped our approach to product development. RCI products must be practical, innovative, easy to use, economical, fill a gap in the market and perform according to our claim.

If you know the name of the product (listed alphabetically) you should click on the drop down menu:

If you are not sure of the product you need click on the comprehensive search at the bottom of this page, or see our drop menu for the most:

If time is a constraint and researching our site impractical then tell us your problem here and we will contact you with some practical suggestions. Or you can telephone us at no cost to you here.

Click language below to view our poultry heat stress video.

Arabic

English
Mandarin

Heat Stress

Leads to lost production and reduced profits

Heat stress is a major cause of lost animal and poultry production. It severely reduces profits in tropical and sub tropical areas. Virtually all birds and most commercial livestock, farmed in hot and humid countries, are genetically derived from strains originally bred in the cool climates of Europe and North America. They are unable to cope with the harsh climate found in tropical, sub tropical areas or in areas where summer heat is intense. Learn more

All birds and animals have a zone of comfort where they are most comfortable and productive.

Do you farm in an area with constant heat stress? Discover if you live in an area subject to heat stress.

Even farmers in cool or cold climates often adjust their shed or barn temperatures for their own comfort, not realizing the microclimate of the birds or livestock they are growing is altered. They are inadvertently creating a heat stress situation. Read more.

Click on the animal in the banner image on the left for specific information about heat stress and how to overcome its effects.

coptrol.com

Algae Control Explained

Algae Explained

Algae grow almost everywhere in the world. They constitute a large group of simple non flowering plants containing chlorophyll but lacking true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue. Algae are a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem providing food and shelter to other organisms. In Australia there are at least 3000 freshwater species and we are still counting! The increasing incidence of blooms of blue green algae is a major algal problem in Australia. Certain blue-green algal blooms are toxic and algal toxins can seriously affect animals and humans. Read more.

Coptrol Explained

When algae blooms cause a problem they are simply controlled using Coptrol. Coptrol has none of the disadvantages of bluestone (Copper Sulphate). It uses one fifth to one eighth of the amount required if copper sulphate is used and achieves a better result. Results are apparent soon after application. When used as directed it does not harm humans, fish, stock, wildlife, plants, pastures or turf. It is safe to use in human drinking water. Read more.

Farm Pests

Pests are a continuous headache for farmers and livestock producers. Not only do they destroy the environment, they devastate crops, harm animals and affect productivity and income. Here are three pests that sometimes sneak under the radar and pilfer profits.

ALGAE
Algae can seriously affect rice crop profits. Algal blooms inhibit germination, uproot seedlings, compete for nutrients, knock over or smother seedlings. Snails feed on algae in the flooded area. Algae may be controlled with Coptrol which eliminates the algae without harming the rice crop. Read more
Algae cause problems on farm dams and ponds, blocking irrigation, hydroponic systems and watering troughs. They can even turn toxic and kill animals drinking from the water source. Learn more

RATS and MICE
Rats & mice are the unseen enemy of profits, consuming valuable stored grain, damaging foodstuffs and spreading disease. Rats eat buildings, insulation and electrical wiring, and not only buildings, but also grain-caked machinery as well.They eat eggs and chicks in aviaries, zoos and destroys food and foodstuffs. Read more

AQUATIC SNAILS
Snails are the enemy of profits in rice crops. Snails cause considerable damage to rice crops as they feed on the roots of rice plants. They retard plant growth, reduce tillering, cause a rice crop to mature at different times, damage the seedlings. Learn more

Copper Deficiency

Copper deficiency in ruminants is a widespread problem usually caused by low copper levels in plants consumed by grazing animals, or an induced deficiency triggered by excessive levels of molybdenum and sulphur in pasture or supplements. High worm burdens worsen the problem.

Copper is an essential trace element in both plants and animals. It is involved in at least 10 enzymes reactions. Animals have a higher copper requirement than plants. Indeed they are affected with a copper deficiency at levels which are perfectly adequate for plants. Copper is required by animals for body, bone, wool growth, pigmentation, healthy central nervous and immune system functioning.

The most common Copper deficiency in ruminants is Enzootic Ataxia commonly known as swayback though there are many other symptoms including loss of pigmentation, loss of wool crimp and sudden heart failure. Copgane prevents losses due to Swayback with the added benefit of increasing productivity. When Copgane is administered there is no need for needles, no muscle damage, no licks, no blocks, no tedious recurring dosing and none of the disadvantages of Copper Sulphate (bluestone). A single dose lasts up to 12 months. Learn more