Asparagopsis for the Beef Industry

After nearly 10 years of robust scientific research, an Asparagopsis supplement became commercially available to the Australian beef feedlot industry in August 2022.

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.

To enquire about purchasing Asparagopsis, please email: partnerships@futurefeed.com.au

Beef Industry FAQs

  • Asparagopsis is extremely effective at reducing methane in ruminant animals, by more than 80 percent 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.

  • Studies indicate 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.

    FutureFeed recently conducted a larger herd trial (300 steers) to confirm and quantify improvements showing productivity gains of up to 7.4%.

  • Asparagopsis can be included in feed as a stabilised 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

    Asparagopsis can be commercially sold in Australia for use in beef feedlots.

    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.

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