“Seaweed Supplements Reduce Methane Emissions in Grazing Cattle by 40% – UC Davis Study”

A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) has revealed groundbreaking findings on reducing methane emissions in grazing beef cattle. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that supplementing cattle with seaweed can decrease their methane emissions by nearly 40 percent without any adverse effects on their health or weight.

This study marks the first of its kind to investigate the methane-reduction potential of seaweed on grazing beef cattle. Previous studies had shown significant reductions in methane emissions in dairy cows and feedlot cattle when supplemented with seaweed.

Livestock, particularly cattle, are responsible for producing 12 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane from cow burps being a major contributor. Grazing cattle, due to their diet of grass, produce more methane than dairy or feedlot cows. With over 64 million beef cattle and nine million dairy cows in the United States alone, finding sustainable solutions to reduce methane emissions is crucial.

The research team, led by senior author Ermias Kebreab, a professor in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis, conducted a 10-week experiment on 24 beef steers at a ranch in Dillon, Montana. The steers, a mix of Wagyu and Angus breeds, were divided into two groups, with one group receiving the seaweed supplement.

The results were promising, with the grazing cattle voluntarily consuming the supplement and experiencing a nearly 40 percent reduction in methane emissions. The authors of the study highlighted the potential of seaweed supplementation in mitigating climate change by reducing methane emissions from ruminant livestock.

Kebreab emphasized the importance of making seaweed supplements easily accessible to grazing animals, suggesting methods such as introducing the supplement through lick blocks for cattle. This approach could revolutionize methane emissions reduction in grazing cattle, offering a sustainable solution for the livestock industry.

The study’s implications extend beyond environmental benefits, as it could also contribute to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. With the global demand for livestock products on the rise, finding innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cattle farming is essential for addressing the environmental impacts of animal source foods.

Overall, the study sheds light on the potential of seaweed supplementation in reducing methane emissions from grazing beef cattle, offering a promising avenue for mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.