Asparagopsis for the

Dairy Industry

After nearly 10 years of robust scientific research, an Asparagopsis supplement is now commercially available to the Australian dairy industry.

Asparagopsis seaweed, native to Australia, is the most efficient natural methane supplement available for ruminant livestock – capable of reducing methane emissions by more than 40 per cent in a dairy setting.

To purchase Asparagopsis for use in a dairy setting, please email partnerships@futurefeed.com.au

Dairy Industry FAQs

  • Asparagopsis is extremely effective at reducing methane. The methane reductions achievable when Asparagopsis products are offered in a total mixed ration (TMR) are higher than for those for animals receiving the products in a supplement (including dairy cattle receiving a concentrate supplement twice daily at milking). Nevertheless, our dairy studies are showing remarkable reduction rates considering the difference in feeding systems, around 44 per cent.

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

  • In dairy studies, trace levels of bromoform at an order of magnitude lower than the safe-for-consumption guidelines of the WHO and USEPA have been detected in milk of cows in the control group not receiving dietary Asparagopsis, as well as those in the group receiving Asparagopsis.

  • Asparagopsis can be included in a total mixed ration (TMR) as a stabilised dried powder or via edible oils infused with Asparagopsis.

    FutureFeed, along with Agriculture Victoria Research, paved the way for the use of Asparagopsis-oil on dairy farms with the publication of peer reviewed study ‘Twice daily feeding of canola oil steeped with Asparagopsis Armata reduced methane emissions of lactating dairy cows’ (Alvarez-Hess et al. 2023).

  • Australia

    Asparagopsis can be commercially sold in Australia for use in dairy settings.

    Outside Australia

    Asparagopsis can be sold commercially in the European Union (EU) as a feed material.

    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 and commercial trials in most regions.

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

    • The 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.