Smart Net-Zero

March 01, 2024 | Science of The Total Environment |  

Introduction: Livestock contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane production being a major concern. The marine red algae, Asparagopsis taxiformis, has shown promise in inhibiting methane production in livestock as feed additives, but challenges in scaling up production exist. In this study, researchers from Deakin University explore Australian freshwater plants and algae as potential feed supplement with methane-inhibiting properties. 

 Key findings: Three algal mixes and one plant species (Montia australasica) demonstrated the potential to reduce methane emission in in vitro batch assays. The algal mixes, particularly one dominated by Spirogyra maxima, and M. australasica showed promising results, suggesting an optimum dose for methane reduction. Fatty acids in Algal mix 1 and flavonoids like apigenin and kaempferol in M. australasica were identified as potential contributors to methane reduction. Importantly, the mineral composition of these samples indicated their safety for livestock consumption at a 20% inclusion rate.

 Read more 

Fig. | Graphical Abstract.