Seaweed trumps bromoform for busting methane
When it comes to reducing livestock methane emissions, Asparagopsis seaweed is more powerful than a bromoform-only supplement, according to a new study.
The bromoform found in Asparagopsis is known for its anti-methanogenic properties in ruminant animals such as cattle. However, this latest peer reviewed research, ‘The anti-methanogenic efficacy of Asparagopsis taxiformis: Could it be attributable solely to its bromoform content?’ (Ahmed et al, 2024), has demonstrated that other bioactive compounds found in Asparagopsis biomass contribute significantly to its world-leading efficacy.
The anti-methanogenic effect of Asparagopsis biomass in livestock feed was shown in vitro to be 36 - 40% greater than that of bromoform alone.
“We’ve known for several years that the inclusion of correct levels of Asparagopsis in a ruminant livestock diet leads to a substantial decrease in methane production, with reductions of more than 80% repeatably achieved,” FutureFeed CEO Alex Baker said.
It has been widely believed that the bromoform present in the seaweed biomass was responsible for this remarkable anti-methanogenic effect, prompting some groups to consider the use of synthetic or extracted bromoform.
“This latest study provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind the efficacy of Asparagopsis, emphasising the combined effect of bromoform and other bioactive compounds. This study is another useful data-point to support the benefits of Asparagopsis, and we commend CH4 Global, a FutureFeed licensee, who helped support this analysis”, Mr Baker said.
The researchers conducted a series of experiments to isolate and identify the active compounds responsible for methane reduction. The results indicate that the methane-reducing potential of Asparagopsis is not solely due to bromoform but is likely a result of a synergistic effect of multiple bioactive compounds.
Key findings:
The anti-methanogenic potential of Asparagopsis taxiformis biomass is significantly more powerful (36-40%) than that of bromoform alone.
Bromoform was found to be the strongest anti-methanogenic compound in the seaweed. However, the role of bioactive compounds other than bromoform in Asparagopsis biomass is significant.
The biomass and bromoform had no negative impacts on rumen fermentation in vitro.
Along with a decade of peer reviewed studies in this area, these latest findings underscore the potential of Asparagopsis as the most powerful tool available for mitigating livestock methane emissions.