Asparagopsis Seaweed as a Feed Supplement for Dairy Cows
Keywords:
Dairy Cows, Asparagopsis seaweed, Bromoform, Rumen fermentation, Milk, Methane emissions
Abstract
Asparagopsis seaweed, specifically A. taxiformis and A. armata, presents a promising strategy for reducing methane emissions from dairy cows due to its bromoform content, which inhibits methanogenesis in the rumen. Studies have shown methane reductions ranging from 22% to 67%. The efficacy of Asparagopsis depends on factors such as bromoform concentration, seaweed species, dosage, diet composition, and delivery method. A. taxiformis generally has higher bromoform levels than A. armata, making it potentially more efficient at lower inclusion levels. Preserving bromoform content is crucial for Asparagopsis’s effectiveness. While freeze-drying is common, bromoform concentration can decrease over time during storage. Homogenizing fresh Asparagopsis in edible oils (Asp-Oil) has emerged as a more effective method for preserving bromoform, preventing degradation and oxidation, and extending shelf life. Extracting bioactive compounds in vegetable oil and encapsulating them in a lipid matrix are also being investigated to maintain bromoform levels. A major challenge with Asparagopsis is its impact on feed intake. The seaweed’s high mineral content and strong taste can lead to feed aversion and reduced dry matter intake (DMI), negatively affecting milk production and composition. Mixing seaweed with molasses has been unsuccessful in masking the taste, but steeping Asparagopsis in canola oil (Asp-Oil) shows promise in stabilizing bromoform and enhancing palatability, while minimizing negative impacts on DMI. Asparagopsis also affects rumen fermentation, shifting volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, decreasing acetate, and increasing propionate, butyrate, and valerate. The seaweed’s high iodine and bromine content can transfer these halogens, along with bromoform, to animal products like milk, urine, and blood. Most studies report that these compound levels in milk remain below safety limits, but monitoring is important. Asparagopsis seaweed offers a potential solution for mitigating methane emissions from dairy cows. However, further research is needed to optimize delivery methods, enhance palatability, and fully understand long-term impacts on rumen fermentation, milk production, animal health, and the environment.
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References
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Hristov, A. N., Oh, J., Lee, C., Meinen, R., Montes, F., Ott, T., … and Zinder, S. (2013). Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock production: A review of technical options for non-CO2 emissions. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper, 177. https://www.fao.org/4/i3288e/i3288e.pdf
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Huhtanen, P., Detmann, E., and Krizsan, S. J. (2016). Prediction of rumen fibre pool in cattle from dietary, faecal, and animal variables. Journal of dairy science, 99(7):5345-5357.
Hutchings, J. L., Grebneva, Y., Dilmetz, S. J., Pincher, D. W., and Hoffmann, P. (2024). Analytical methods for the analysis of bromoform in red seaweed Asparagopsis armata and Asparagopsis taxiformis–A review. Algal Research, 103478.
Indugu, N., Narayan, K., Stefenoni, H. A., Hennessy, M. L., Vecchiarelli, B., Bender, J. S. and Pitta, D. W. (2024). Microbiome-informed study of the mechanistic basis of methane inhibition by Asparagopsis taxiformis in dairy cattle. Mbio, 15(8): e00782-24.
Janssen, P. H. (2010). Influence of hydrogen on rumen methane formation and fermentation balances through microbial growth kinetics and fermentation thermodynamics. Animal feed science and technology, 160(1-2): 1-22.
Kinley, R. D., Tan, S., Turnbull, J., Askew, S., Harris, J., and Roque, B. M. (2022). Exploration of methane mitigation efficacy using Asparagopsis-derived bioactives stabilized in edible oil compared to freeze-dried Asparagopsis In Vitro. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 13(7):1023-1041.
Kinley, R. D., Martinez-Fernandez, G., Matthews, M. K., de Nys, R., Magnusson, M., and Tomkins, N. W. (2020). Mitigating the carbon footprint and improving productivity of ruminant livestock agriculture using a red seaweed. Journal of Cleaner production, 259:120836.
Kinley, R. D., Vucko, M. J., Machado, L., and Tomkins, N. W. (2016a). In vitro evaluation of the antimethanogenic potency and effects on fermentation of individual and combinations of marine macroalgae. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 7:2038-2054.
Kinley, R. D., de Nys, R., Vucko, M. J., Machado, L., and Tomkins, N. W. (2016b). The red macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis is a potent natural antimethanogenic that reduces methane production during in vitro fermentation with rumen fluid. Animal Production Science, 56(3):282-289.
Krizsan, S. J., Ramin, M., Chagas, J. C., Halmemies-Beauchet-Filleau, A., Singh, A., Schnürer, A., and Danielsson, R. (2023). Effects on rumen microbiome and milk quality of dairy cows fed a grass silage-based diet supplemented with the macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis. Frontiers in animal science, 4:1112969.
Li, X., Norman, H. C., Kinley, R. D., Laurence, M., Wilmot, M., Bender, H., ... and Tomkins, N. (2016). Asparagopsis taxiformis decreases enteric methane production from sheep. Animal Production Science, 58(4):681-688.
Liu, H., Wang, J., Wang, A., and Chen, J. (2011). Chemical inhibitors of methanogenesis and putative applications. Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 89: 1333-1340.
Machado, L., Magnusson, M., Paul, N. A., Kinley, R., de Nys, R., and Tomkins, N. (2016). Dose-response effects of Asparagopsis taxiformis and Oedogonium sp. on in vitro fermentation and methane production. Journal of Applied Phycology, 28:1443-1452.
Machado, L., Magnusson, M., Paul, N. A., de Nys, R., and Tomkins, N. (2014). Effects of marine and freshwater macroalgae on in vitro total gas and methane production. PLoS One, 9(1):e85289.
Magnusson, M., Vucko, M. J., Neoh, T. L., and de Nys, R. (2020). Using oil immersion to deliver a naturally-derived, stable bromoform product from the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis. Algal Research, 51:102065.
McCauley, J. I., Labeeuw, L., Jaramillo-Madrid, A. C., Nguyen, L. N., Nghiem, L. D., Chaves, A. V., and Ralph, P. J. (2020). Management of enteric methanogenesis in ruminants by algal-derived feed additives. Current Pollution Reports, 6:188-205.
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Published
2025-02-06
How to Cite
Gadzama, I.U. (2025). Asparagopsis Seaweed as a Feed Supplement for Dairy Cows. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology (NJAST), 7(4), 63 - 84. Retrieved from https://njast.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/378
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Articles
