As emissions become a greater concern, farmers are implementing various strategies to address and reduce methane produced by livestock.
Seaweed is one of those tools on which studies such as a recent one conducted by Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are looking to prove efficacy.
Designed by Associate Professor Joe McFadden, Asparagopsis-based seaweed oil extracted for reducing livestock methane emissions was compared to Symbrosia’s existing freeze-dried seaweed products.
Dr. Mallory Honan, Symbrosia’s product and animal science lead, spoke about the study’s thoroughness. “The study is more in-depth than any previous, accounting for animal and human food safety, energetics, manure composition, and gas emissions. Additionally, it will observe unique milk characteristics beyond lactose, protein, and fat, assessing changes in the complete milk fatty acid profile,” explained Honan.
The Asparagopsis species has been proven to reduce methane emissions in ruminant species by interfering with the methanogenesis process. Symbrosia currently produces a freeze-dried product, SeaGraze, made of Asparagopsis taxiformis. The product reduces methane emissions by 70 percent to 80 percent.
Oil absorbs the compounds found in seaweed at an effective rate, circumventing the need for high inputs of energy required for drying. In this form, the product is also anticipated to increase bioactive transference and solubility.
Using fresh seaweed in oil instead of freeze-dried material also maintains more of the important compounds and nutrients, as well as possibly making it more stable over time. Should the study prove successful, the oil will be added to Symbrosia’s expanding portfolio of products designed to be incorporated into a variety of systems.
“Symbrosia is leading the charge to find innovative solutions to reduce methane and we wholeheartedly believe in the important work they are doing — as seen by the 2022 funding round for the company led by Danone Manifesto Ventures, Danone’s venture capital arm,” said Chris Adamo, vice president of public affairs and regenerative agriculture policy at Danone North America. “We know climate change at scale cannot be done in isolation, and we need efforts and studies like this to unlock new ways to make progress.”
»Related: Research: Feeding cattle seaweed may reduce GhG emissions
“The use of Asparagopsis-based seaweed oil extract as a methane mitigator for livestock requires a holistic scientific approach to ensure sustained efficacy and safety,” McFadden said. “Our team of researchers and the recent acquisition of climate-controlled respiration chambers provide us the unique opportunity to answer the critical questions surrounding this technology.”
The team’s plan is to ensure the study’s impact on the environment and sustainable agriculture is maximized. The study is set to begin in May of 2024 and will use Holstein dairy cows.
»Related: Perspective: Don’t blame cattle for climate change
