A new study in Australia has paved the way for the dairy industry to dramatically slash its methane emissions by feeding cattle with an unlikely additive - a native red seaweed called asparagopsis armata. While the study provides a possible opportunity for dairy farmers to reduce their carbon footprints, it may also kick-start a profitable new "low emissions" marketing avenue for the industry. Published in the March edition of the international journal Animal Feed Science and Technology, the study found that pouring seaweed-infused canola oil over feedlots slashed their methane emissions without impacting the quality or quantity of milk produced.
The species of seaweed added to cattle feed can drastically reduce cows' burping. Cows consume the seaweed in dried pieces sprinkled on their food or as an oil.
