Red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) supplementation reduces enteric methane by over 80 percent in beef steers

Summary

This randomised controlled trial demonstrated that red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) supplementation at 0.25% and 0.5% of organic matter intake reduced enteric methane yield by 45% and 68% respectively over 147 days in growing beef steers, with reductions reaching 80% in low-forage diets. Hydrogen yield increased substantially (336–590%) whilst feed conversion efficiency improved by up to 14%, with no detrimental effects on average daily gain, carcass quality, meat composition, or consumer sensory attributes. The persistent methane reduction suggests A. taxiformis is a viable feed additive to lower the carbon footprint of ruminant production whilst potentially enhancing efficiency.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in the United States and employed commercial feedlot conditions typical of intensive beef production systems not widely practised in the United Kingdom, where pasture-based and semi-intensive systems predominate. However, the methane mitigation findings are directly applicable to intensive beef finishing operations where total mixed ration feeding occurs, and the feed additive approach could be evaluated for UK intensive production or exported feeder cattle.

Key measures

Enteric CH4 production (g/day per animal), CH4 yield (g CH4/kg dry matter intake), CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg average daily gain), average daily gain (kg/day), feed conversion efficiency (kg ADG/kg DMI), hydrogen yield (g H2/DMI), carbon dioxide yield (g CO2/DMI), dry matter intake, carcass quality, strip loin proximate analysis, shear force, consumer taste preferences

Outcomes reported

The study measured enteric methane production (yield, intensity, and daily emissions), average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, and carcass and meat quality in beef steers fed diets with 0%, 0.25%, or 0.5% Asparagopsis taxiformis inclusion over 147 days. Methane yield reductions and hydrogen yield increases were quantified across three diet types (high, medium, and low forage total mixed rations).

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