Montana ranch owned by news mogul Rupert Murdoch feeds cows seaweed to curb farts

Researchers from the University of California-Davis conducted a study to evaluate the seaweed's impact on grazing cattle. 24 beef steers of Angus and Agyu breeds are being studied, with one group given the seaweed supplements while the others did not. Researchers used solar-powered devices to dispense the supplements and measure methane emissions over the course of 10 weeks.

The study found a nearly 40 percent reduction in methane emissions among cattle fed the seaweed. The study also claims there were no negative effects on the cows' health or weight.

Ermias Kebreab, the senior author of the study and a professor in the Department of Animal Science, celebrated the study's findings: “We need to make this seaweed additive or any feed additive more accessible to grazing cattle to make cattle farming more sustainable while meeting the global demand for meat,” Kebreab stated.

Livestock account for approximately 11 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane—a potent greenhouse gas—being the largest contributor, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

The seaweed used, Asparagopsis taxiformis, was provided by Blue Ocean Barns, a Hawaii-based company that cultivates red seaweed in nutrient-rich waters. The company processes it into a feed additive called Brominata, which cattle have shown a preference for in trials.

The seaweed contains compounds like bromoform, which inhibit methane-producing microbes in the digestive systems of cattle. This reduces methane emissions during digestion, lowering the environmental impact of cattle farming.

“The method paves the way to make a seaweed supplement easily available to grazing animals,” Kebreab said. He added that ranchers could introduce the supplement via lick blocks, ensuring ease of use.