Key Considerations for the Use of Seaweed to Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions From Cattle.

Sandra Vijn,Martin R Weisbjerg,Ermias Kebreab,Alexander N Hristov,Matthias Hess,Kenneth F Kalscheur,Devan Paulus Compart,Charles Yarish,Nichole N Price,Nikki Dutta,Athanasios Foukis,Yan Sun,Adele Turzillo,Sergey V Nuzhdin,Juan M Tricarico,Timothy D Kurt

doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.597430

Abstract

Enteric methane emissions are the single largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in beef and dairy value chains and a substantial contributor to anthropogenic methane emissions globally. In late 2019, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) convened approximately 50 stakeholders representing research and production of seaweeds, animal feeds, dairy cattle, and beef and dairy foods to discuss challenges and opportunities associated with the use of seaweed-based ingredients to reduce enteric methane emissions. This Perspective article describes the considerations identified by the workshop participants and suggests next steps for the further development and evaluation of seaweed-based feed ingredients as enteric methane mitigants. Although numerous compounds derived from sources other than seaweed have been identified as having enteric methane mitigation potential, these mitigants are outside the scope of this article.

Highlights

Enteric fermentation is the highly evolved process that allows ruminants to digest cellulose, the basic component of plant cell walls
In the U.S, an estimated 26.7% of total CH4 emissions are attributed to enteric fermentation, which corresponds to approximately 2.7% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions [5]
In vitro analysis suggested that the tropical/subtropical red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis can reduce methane production by 95% when added to feed at a 5% organic matter inclusion rate [13]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Enteric fermentation is the highly evolved process that allows ruminants to digest cellulose, the basic component of plant cell walls. Short-term studies should determine which seaweed species have the greatest potential to reduce methane These studies should evaluate impacts on animal productivity (e.g., beef and milk production), feed intake, animal health, product quality, active compound residue in edible food products and potential changes in manure composition. As both polymeric and simple carbohydrates in seaweed are very different from land-grown feedstuffs, studies on the digestibility and energy value of these carbohydrates for cattle production is required. There is significant potential for the development of marketing strategies that appeal to consumers’ desire to contribute to low carbon economies and lifestyles, in which products— including meat and dairy—are positioned as sustainably sourced foods

DISCUSSION

Findings

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT