A groundbreaking study has revealed the power of whole Asparagopsis seaweed as a feed additive for reducing methane emissions from cattle. Conducted by researchers at Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, the study found that Asparagopsis seaweed is significantly more effective in reducing methane emissions than bromoform, the seaweed’s primary active compound, when used alone.
The research, published in Animal Feed Science and Technology, compared the methane reduction potential of whole Asparagopsis taxiformis seaweed to pure bromoform when used as feed additives for cattle. The results showed that the whole, dried seaweed reduced methane emissions by 95.6% when included at 0.5% of the diet, compared to a 59.6% reduction from an equivalent dose of bromoform. This suggests that while bromoform is the key player in Asparagopsis for methane reduction, other bioactive compounds in the seaweed contribute significantly, accounting for approximately 40% of the total reduction effect.
“Our findings demonstrate the superior efficacy of whole Asparagopsis seaweed compared to isolated bromoform in mitigating methane emissions from cattle,” said Dr. Eslam K. Ahmed, the study’s lead researcher. “This reinforces the value of harnessing the full spectrum of bioactive compounds naturally present in the seaweed to reduce enteric methane.”
CH4 Global, a company spearheading the commercial production and distribution of Asparagopsis-based feed additives, sees this research as strong validation for its approach. Their flagship product, Methane Tamer™, uses whole dried Asparagopsis seaweed to significantly reduce enteric methane emissions in cattle. This study reinforces the company’s commitment to providing a natural and effective solution for shrinking the climate impact of cattle farming.
CH4 Global CEO Steve Meller highlights the importance of this finding, especially as beef and dairy producers explore various options for reducing their carbon footprints. “The results of this study have important implications as CH4 Global continues scaling Methane Tamer for our commercial partners,” said Meller. “Not only do they validate the performance advantage of whole natural Asparagopsis over synthetic compounds, but they also underscore the cost-effectiveness of our solution. Using whole Asparagopsis allows us to achieve superior methane reduction with a lower dose, making Methane Tamer an economically viable option for farmers.”
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with more than 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, is a major concern in the fight against climate change. Livestock farming, particularly cattle and sheep production, accounts for at least 30% of human-driven methane emissions globally. Solutions like the one offered by CH4 Global are essential in addressing this challenge.
This study serves as a testament to the potential of Asparagopsis seaweed as a natural and effective tool for reducing methane emissions from cattle. CH4 Global’s commitment to scaling its Methane Tamer™ product holds promise for a more sustainable future for animal agriculture and a healthier planet.
