Inside Ag: Seaweed could be the solution to lowering cow burps

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Researchers at Oregon State University have received a million-dollar grant to investigate the potential of seaweed in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cattle.

The digestive process in cattle is complex. When they consume food, their stomachs begin breaking it down. Cattle have a unique digestive tract that is considerably tougher than that of humans, allowing them to efficiently digest grasses and hay. However, this process produces gas that must eventually be released.

On average, each cow produces about 250 liters of methane daily; that’s more than 66 gallons! Interestingly, this gas doesn’t exit through the rear as one might expect.

“No, it’s not the farts; it’s the burps,” explains researcher Juliana Ranches.

The agricultural sector is responsible for approximately 9.4 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Cattle contribute to over a quarter of that due to the methane they release. This poses a significant environmental concern.

A promising approach to mitigate this issue involves the use of seaweed. Ranches notes, “Seaweed acts as a sort of filter.” Initial studies in Europe and Australia indicate that incorporating seaweed into cattle diets can reduce their emissions by over 80%.

However, in the Western United States, the challenge lies in the accessibility of certain types of seaweed. That’s where researchers like Ranches are stepping in. They are exploring the use of Pacific Dulse Seaweed as a local alternative for cattle feed.

“Our seaweed is land-based, produced in tanks rather than harvested from the ocean,” Ranches elaborates. “One goal of this project is to enhance the seaweed’s nutritional profile to increase its protein and mineral content, making it a beneficial supplement for cattle.”

This research is focused on both dairy cows and feedlot cattle. The team has established a baseline measure of methane emissions from their cattle and, just two weeks into this five-year project, they are starting to assess the cows’ reception of this new dietary addition.

Ranches emphasizes that the intention is not to eliminate hay and grass from the cows’ diet but to use seaweed as an additive mixed into their food. She is optimistic about the potential of this initiative to lower greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously benefiting cattle health.

“If we can be part of the solution, I really want to be on this game,” she states.