Using whole Asparagopsis seaweed in cattle feed has been found to be more effective in reducing methane emissions than using its primary compound on its own
A new study published in Animal Feed Science and Technology has found that using whole asparagopsis in cattle feed is more effective for reducing methane emissions than using bromoform on its own – the seaweed’s primary active compound.
This conclusion was reached after comparing the methane reduction potential of whole Asparagopsis armata seaweed and pure bromoform when used as feed additives for cattle.
Results from the peer-reviewed study show that whole dried seaweed reduced methane emissions by 95.6 per cent when included as 0.5 per cent of the diet, compared to a 59.6 per cent reduction from an equivalent dose of bromoform.
The report suggests that while bromoform is the primary active compound in Asparagopsis responsible for methane reduction, other bioactive compounds in the seaweed play a significant role – accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the total reduction effect.
This study provides validation for CH4 Global, a company that is commercially producing and distributing an Asparagopsis-based feed additive for cattle farmers.
CH4’s flagship product, Methane Tamer, uses whole dried Asparagopsis seaweed as opposed to bromoform on its own.
CEO Steve Meller says the new study highlights the importance of the company’s approach, particularly as beef and dairy producers consider different options to reduce their carbon footprints, including using bromoform on its own or synthetic chemicals.
“Not only do these results validate the performance advantage of whole natural Asparagopsis over synthetic compounds, but they also underscore the cost-effectiveness of our solution,” he says.
“Using whole Asparagopsis allows us to achieve superior methane reduction with a lower dose, making Methane Tamer an economically viable option for farmers.”
CH4 adds that methane is a potent greenhouse gas with more than 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
Livestock farming, particularly cattle and sheep production, is responsible for at least 30 per cent of human-driven methane emissions globally, CH4 says.