A pioneering study by the University of California, Davis, has found that feeding grazing beef cattle a pelletized seaweed supplement can reduce methane emissions by nearly 40%, marking a significant step toward sustainable cattle farming. This is the first study globally to test seaweed on grazing beef cattle, following earlier research showing methane reductions of up to 82% in feedlot cattle and over 50% in dairy cows.
The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on December 2, provides a promising method to mitigate livestock emissions, which contribute 12% of global greenhouse gases.
Study Highlights:
- Targeting Grazing Cattle: Grazing cattle, which produce higher methane emissions due to their high-fiber grass diet, were the focus of this 10-week trial conducted on a ranch in Dillon, Montana.
- Supplement Delivery: Researchers tested the seaweed supplement on 24 beef steers (Angus and Wagyu breeds), split into two groups, with emissions measured using solar-powered monitoring devices.
- Real-World Conditions: Unlike controlled environments, the study showcased voluntary intake of the supplement by grazing cattle, demonstrating its practicality for large-scale application.
Broader Implications:
“This method paves the way to make a seaweed supplement easily available to grazing animals, potentially through innovations like lick blocks,” said senior author Ermias Kebreab, professor of Animal Science at UC Davis.
The study highlights the need for accessible and effective solutions to reduce methane emissions from grazing systems, which support millions worldwide and are crucial in regions vulnerable to climate change.
Access the Research and Photo Resources here.
Future Directions:
Researchers emphasize integrating such supplements into global livestock systems to meet rising meat demand sustainably while addressing climate challenges. Additional resources, including a related article on improving livestock efficiency, are also available in the same issue of PNAS.
This study represents a major step forward in balancing agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.
