Australian researchers have made an amazing discovery about the red algae asparagopsis taxiformis. Feed it to cows and their methane emissions drop almost 100% - a potentially crucial reduction in a gas that’s 23 times worse than carbon dioxide for climate change!
Red algae emerged as the most effective methane-suppressing food supplement from research into 20 types of seaweed at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Dry cow food with just 2% red algae controls stomach microbes that turn grass to methane.
Cattle produce more greenhouse gases than cars, planes, or other vehicles, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). If asparagopsis taxiformis can cut methane emissions in cattle, it will become an important part of reducing global warming and help the dairy and beef industry survive.
Researchers are now trying to grow the red algae outside the sea. It grows in abundance along the Queensland coastline but it needs to be harvested to exclude residues or contaminants such as micro-plastics that can harm animals and humans.
Information from: greenworld.or.th
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