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Methane reduction in beef cattle in commercial production systems

Date:
By MFMG Admin

 

Project code: IH_22_06

Project manager: The University of Adelaide

Project duration: April 2023 to September 2023

About the project

Reducing 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 activities

Establish 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

SA Drought Hub Logo for A4 flyers_FA_02_no funding statement

 

Project Resources

Mariana 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. 

 

2024_The Prosperous Farmer_Reducing methane throughout the beef cattle production cycle with Dr Mariana Caetano