Asparagopsis

What is Asparagopsis?

There are two species of interest: Asparagopsis taxiformis (tropical version) and Asparagopsis armata (temperate version). Both species have similar bioactive chemistry but thrive in different conditions.

This red seaweed is endemic to Australian shores and some other regions of the world. Asparagopsis was little known until a few years ago, when a grand discovery about its methane-busting potential came to the world’s attention!

Nearly a decade ago, scientists from CSIRO and James Cook University, along with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), came together to investigate the methane reduction potential of native Australian seaweeds. It was hoped that ruminant animals would experience improved feed efficiency by consuming algae, due to the conservation of energy otherwise lost as methane.

The red seaweed Asparagopsis was in the first cohort of seaweeds tested. The results in vitro (using lab equipment to mimic a cow’s stomach) were so unbelievable the scientist thought the methane measurement instrument was broken! After repeating the experiment, a low inclusion level of Asparagopsis was confirmed to eliminate methane.

FutureFeed was established by CSIRO to bring this discovery into the commercial world. FutureFeed licenses intellectual property to Asparagopsis growers and processors globally. These producers variously grow Asparagopsis both on land (terrestrial production) and in the ocean (where leases are available).

Asparagopsis can be included in feed as a stabilised freeze-dried powder or in an edible oil. The studies we have completed to date supplied an Asparagopsis supplement in the following settings:

· feedlot and dairy total mixed rations; and

· dairy cows supplemented twice daily at milking.

There are lots of opportunities throughout the value chain for those who want to be involved in the world-changing Asparagopsis industry.