The world’s most effective livestock methane solution: Asparagopsis seaweed
What we do
Established by CSIRO, FutureFeed holds global IP for the use of Asparagopsis seaweed as a livestock feed ingredient, shown to lower ruminant methane emissions by 80% or more. We continue to develop technologies to expand the impact of this decarbonisation solution.
FutureFeed’s solution
Asparagopsis seaweed contains bioactives that interrupt the microbes in a cow’s stomach that form methane. The seaweed is manufactured into a freeze-dried powder or an edible oil. Only a small amount of this feed material needs to be included in a cattle’s feed to dramatically reduce methane emissions.
A decade of science has shown this to be a safe and effective feed ingredient for livestock.
Since 2020, FutureFeed has been driving commercialsation of Asparagopsis technology. FutureFeed continues research and product development to support adoption of this innovation.
The great seaweed search
A decade ago, a team of scientists from CSIRO and James Cook University, supported by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) came together to investigate the methane reduction potential of native Australian seaweeds. It was hoped that ruminant animals such as cows might improve feed efficiency by consuming seaweed, due to conservation of energy otherwise lost as methane.
Asparagopsis was in the first cohort of seaweeds tested. The results in vitro (using lab equipment to mimic a cow’s stomach) were so unbelievable the scientist thought the methane measurement instrument was broken! After repeating experiments several times, a low inclusion level of Asparagopsis was confirmed to virtually eliminate methane. Subsequent in vivo (animal) studies in Australia and the USA consistently demonstrated reductions of more than 80 per cent could be achieved in a controlled farm setting.
Company's story
Asparagopsis seaweed, native to Australia, is the most efficient natural methane supplement available for livestock – capable of reducing methane emissions by more than 80 per cent in controlled conditions. Asparagopsis can be included in feed and supplements as a stabilised freeze-dried powder, or in an edible oil. The research we have done so far included the supplement in:
· feedlot and dairy total mixed rations; and
· dairy cows supplemented twice daily at milking.
FutureFeed was established by CSIRO in 2020 to commercialise this world-changing discovery. Investors include CSIRO, Woolworths Group, GrainCorp, AGP Sustainable Real Assets and Harvest Road. FutureFeed licenses intellectual property to Asparagopsis producers around the world, who grow and process the seaweed that can be supplied to feed manufacturers and livestock producers. We are continually growing our network of licensees and partners, so that the impact of our science can be scaled to meet huge demand from the red meat and dairy industries.
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