Asparagopsis for the Beef Industry

Information for beef producers

After nearly 10 years of robust scientific research, an Asparagopsis supplement became commercially available to the Australian beef feedlot industry in August 2022. In the coming 2 - 3 years we expect to see its adoption worldwide as Asparagopsis supply scales.

Asparagopsis seaweed, native to Australia, is the most efficient natural methane supplement available for ruminant livestock – capable of reducing methane emissions by more than 80 per cent in a beef feedlot.

 

Beef industry FAQs

  • Asparagopsis is extremely effective at reducing methane in ruminant animals, by more than 80 per cent in a beef feedlot setting.

  • Asparagopsis is safe to feed to cattle. There are no concerns with rumen function or feed digestibility.

  • Meat-eating quality has been tested and proven time and time again.

    There are no concerns of seaweed-derived bromoform residues in the fat, muscle, or edible offal, and it is safe for human consumption.

  • Early studies indicated that animal performance as average daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency could be significantly improved by feeding low levels of Asparagopsis. Feed energy otherwise lost as methane emissions can be redirected into microbial metabolism beneficial to the animal. This could manifest in a number of ways: fewer days on feed to reach target weight, less feed required to reach target weight, or less feed required for more weight gain.

    The studies so far have used small numbers of animals, so we recently conducted a larger herd trial (300 steers) to confirm and quantify improvements. We anticipate publishing this important study after peer review in early 2024.

  • 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 the supplement in the following settings:

    · feedlot and dairy total mixed rations; and

    · dairy cows supplemented twice daily at milking.

  • Grazing applications are the focus of research currently being funded by the Commonwealth and independent undertakings of some of our licensees.

  • Australia

    Freeze-dried Asparagopsis can be commercially sold in Australia for use in beef feedlots. Given the promising preliminary findings of our oil-based product demonstrations, we expect to see an Asparagopsis-oil product available very soon as well.

    Outside Australia

    Asparagopsis can be sold commercially in the European Union (EU) as a feed material. Additionally it can be used in the state of California as a nutrient / digestive aid.

    Please check relevant regulations for your jurisdiction before purchasing Asparagopsis as a livestock feed ingredient.

    As a general rule, Asparagopsis can be used for research trials in most regions.

  • Our study investigating the shelf-life stability of freeze-dried Asparagopsis and Asparagopsis-oil demonstrated both products are stable in controlled storage conditions.

    • The freeze-dried product should be stored at or below 4°C in an air-tight container.

    • Asparagopsis-oil can be stored at ambient room temperature in an air-tight container.

    Please refer to manufacturers’ product information for specific safety, storage and handling recommendations.

  • Contact an approved FutureFeed licensee directly to enquire about purchasing products.