Red algae as a feed additive – how does it affect methane production, milk yield, and metabolism?
Melania Angellotti, a doctoral student at SustAinimal Academy, has recently published a scientific article on how red algae as a feed additive affects methane production, milk yield, and cow metabolism.
The study investigated the effects of adding the red algae Asparagopsis taxiformis to the feed of dairy cows in order to reduce methane emissions from the cows. Three groups were studied: a control group without additives, a group with 0.15 percent algae, and a group with 0.3 percent algae of the feed's organic substance. The results showed that methane emissions decreased by 30 percent in the group with the highest addition, but the effect wore off after eight weeks. At the same time, hydrogen production increased significantly, which may indicate changes in fermentation in the rumen, but above all that the methane-forming microorganisms are inhibited and cannot use the hydrogen for methane production.
Feed intake and energy-corrected milk production were slightly lower in cows with the highest algae supplement. In addition, higher levels of bromine and iodine were noted in milk, urine, and feces, which may have negative consequences for animal health and the environment. The study emphasizes the need for long-term studies to understand how these additives affect metabolism and animal health over time.
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