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

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 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 freeze-dried powder. It has a range of uses when steeped in edible oils, therefore Asparagopsis-oil is the most likely choice for dairy farms.

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). A similar study detailing the range of effective inclusion levels will be published in coming months.

Grazing applications are the subject of ongoing research.

Australia

FutureFeed’s studies are paving the way for Asparagopsis-oil to be used in Australian dairy farms.

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.