Asparagopsis Seaweed: Nature’s answer to livestock methane

Agricultural methane from livestock presents a major climate challenge, but Asparagopsis seaweed offers a powerful, natural solution. Asparagopsis can reduce enteric methane emissions by up to 90 per cent in cattle, providing a safe and effective way for the livestock industry to meet ambitious climate goals while maintaining productivity.

Dr. Steve Meller
Chief Executive Officer
CH4 Global

The global challenge of climate change has brought unprecedented attention to methane emissions from livestock. As a greenhouse gas, methane is particularly concerning due to its potency: it traps heat in the atmosphere with more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide during a 20-year period. With the livestock sector accounting for roughly 30 percent of human-driven methane emissions, the need for effective solutions has never been more urgent.

The challenge is particularly acute given that global demand for animal protein continues to rise, even as countries worldwide commit to ambitious methane reduction targets. More than 150 nations have signed the Global Methane Pledge, committing to reduce emissions 30 per cent by 2030. Yet the livestock industry has struggled to find solutions that are both effective and practical for widespread adoption by or before 2030.

As the agri-food industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, the search for safe, effective and sustainable solutions has led researchers to an unexpected source: the ocean. Asparagopsis seaweed, which grows naturally in coastal waters, is emerging as the most promising natural tool for tackling enteric methane emissions from cattle.

THE POWER OF NATURE’S OWN SOLUTION
Asparagopsis and other species of seaweed have been part of marine ecosystems for millions of years and has long been consumed by humans, particularly in Hawaii, Japan and Southeast Asia. The red seaweed species of Asparagopsis has adapted a defense mechanism whereby it produces natural compounds to protect itself in the marine environment. These same compounds naturally interact with the digestive processes of ruminant animals, significantly reducing their methane production.

What makes Asparagopsis particularly remarkable is its exceptional efficacy: research has shown it can reduce enteric methane emissions by up to 90 per cent in beef cattle when used as a feed supplement at just 0.5 per cent inclusion. This level of reduction far exceeds what any other approaches can achieve, making it a powerful tool in the fight against agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
The development of Asparagopsis-based feed supplements represents a holistic approach to sustainability. Unlike methane reduction strategies that are being developed that involve synthetic chemicals or may require significant changes to farming practices or animal management, seaweed supplements are natural by definition, and properly formulated products can integrate seamlessly into existing feeding regimens. The seaweed can be cultivated in environmentally- responsible ways, creating a virtuous cycle of environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the whole-plant approach of using naturally-occurring seaweed means farmers can feel confident they’re using a product that nature itself has perfected over millions of years. When carefully harvested and processed to preserve its beneficial properties, Asparagopsis maintains its effectiveness while meeting the highest standards for animal and human safety.

SAFETY FIRST: A NATURAL HISTORY OF USE
The safety profile of Asparagopsis is supported by both its long history of human consumption and extensive modern scientific research. For centuries, Asparagopsis have been used as a condiment by Hawaiians who prize the plant, which they call limu kohu, for its distinct flavor and who often eat it with fish or mixed into poi (a staple food made from taro root).

More recently, leading toxicologists have validated its safety for use in animal feed, confirming that when properly processed and administered, it poses no risks to animal health or food safety. Indeed, research has shown that mixing the supplement into cattle’s daily feed at just 0.5 per cent delivers optimal methane reduction while aiding the animals’ digestion. There is simply no need to extract anything from the plant, to concentrate the extracted materials or use synthetic analogs or some of the bioactives; the whole, natural plant is sufficient.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR FARMERS
Beyond its environmental benefits in reducing methane, Asparagopsis supplementation can provide economic advantages for farmers. Research indicates that reducing methane production in cattle can potentially improve feed efficiency, as energy that would otherwise be lost as methane becomes available for growth and production. As carbon markets develop and consumers increasingly demand climate-friendly products, farmers using natural methane reduction solutions may also be able to access premium prices as well as carbon credits. If done well, these can more than cover the costs for farmers without any need for governments to provide incentives.

The challenge now lies in scaling up Asparagopsis production to meet global demand and doing so in a way that meets the economics for both the farmer and the producer. Innovative cultivation methods using controlled pond systems are showing promise in producing high-quality seaweed efficiently and sustainably. These systems ensure consistent product quality while maintaining the natural properties that make Asparagopsis effective.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As the livestock industry works to meet ambitious climate targets, natural solutions such as Asparagopsis seaweed will play an increasingly important role. By choosing nature-based approaches to methane reduction, farmers can address environmental challenges while aiding the digestion and productivity of their herds.

The integration of Asparagopsis into livestock feeding represents a return to nature’s wisdom while embracing modern scientific understanding. As we continue to develop and scale these solutions, we move closer to a future where agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

About Steve Meller
CH4 Global CEO Steve Meller, PhD, is an Australian-born entrepreneur, investor, innovator, founder and board advisor. Dr Meller founded CH4 Global in 2018, realizing the potential for Asparagopsis seaweed to reduce the methane output of ruminants. The company’s flagship product, Methane Tamer™, leverages Asparagopsis to reduce enteric methane emissions in cattle by up to 90 per cent. Through its innovative EcoPark cultivation system, CH4 Global is scaling rapidly to meet global demand, ensuring profitability throughout the supply chain without relying on subsidies.