Back to Main
Methane reduction in beef cattle in commercial production systemsDate:
Project code: IH_22_06 Project manager: The University of Adelaide Project duration: April 2023 to September 2023 About the projectReducing methane emissions from livestock production is important for continued access into premium markets. It is known that seaweed in diets can reduce methane emissions in livestock by 80%. Significant progress has been achieved in demonstrating how seaweed can be deployed in a research feedlot setting. However, there have been no demonstrations of the ability for seaweed to reduce methane emissions in commercial production settings. This is important as methane emissions yield is higher when consuming lower quality feed compared with higher quality feed in a feedlot. In addition, the vast majority of beef cattle in Australia are grazing with feedlotting representing a relatively small amount of total enteric methane emissions. This project will demonstrate the potential of Asparagopsis armata, produced in cold-water regions (e.g. South Australia) to reduce methane emissions in grazing/lower feed quality environments in commercial beef farms. This represents an important step toward equipping industry and beef cattle producers with effective solutions to reduce emissions on-farm which may provide alternative income streams and help to ensure continued market access.
Project activitiesEstablish on-farm demonstration sites for supplementation of Asparagopsis seaweed oil to quantify differences in enteric methane emissions and animal performance & report and communicate results to industry through field events and media. Comparison of two methodologies (GreenFeed vs. Infrared laser) to measure methane to provide a low-cost hand-held device that can be adopted on farm.
This project is funded by:This project received funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund
Project ResourcesMariana Caetano presentation_seaweed to reduce methane emissions in beef cattle - presentation at 'Beef & Sheep Market Outlook with Simon Quilty event, Padthaway Estate June 7 2024.
|