Can Feeding Livestock Seaweed Significantly Cut Their Methane Emissions?


Methane is the most common greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2). Livestock such as cows, goats and deer produce methane when their stomachs are breaking down hard fibres like grass for digestion. This fermentation process creates methane gas which is then mostly belched out again. University studies have shown that feeding cows seaweed could significantly cut their methane emissions. What are your thoughts LiveTribers? Can feeding livestock seaweed significantly cut their methane emissions?

Posted by on 08 Feb 2023

tweet this
  • [1] [0]
    Zi

    I raised livestock for profit, not for charity.

    Posted by Zi on 20 Mar 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Kittykato

    I would think getting the seaweed to the farms would just create more pollution.

    Posted by Kittykato on 26 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    yelsha42

    Would it affect the quality of the meat or the health of the livestock?

    Posted by yelsha42 on 19 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    kendallx3

    I'd be interested to know whether they'd be any drawbacks first

    Posted by kendallx3 on 19 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    David

    Good idea for the environment and a possible new industry.

    Posted by David on 19 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    ere

    This idea was attempted years ago and was a dismal failure. Costs vastly outweighed benefits taking into account what it took to process seaweed into something cows would willing eat. As usual the tree huggers kicked up about it saying that using seaweed would deprive the world of Oxygen as over 90% of Oxygen comes from the weeds and algae growing in the sea.

    Posted by ere on 15 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    CILLY0

    If this is true, then most farmers would want to be feeding this to their stock so they can continue farming. What are the side effects? How much would have to be fed to stock along with their usual grasses to cut emissions?

    Posted by CILLY0 on 14 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Chin

    It’s easy for us to make comments but it’s best that we hear it from the cattle farmers who know the cattle best.

    Posted by Chin on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Mark

    I think more research is required including business cases to see if this would be viable.

    Posted by Mark on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    SandraH

    As the wife of a cattle farmer - stupid idea for 90% of all farmers. Maybe if your farm is close to an area where seaweed is easily available? but grass is cheapest and best (though could be used during droughts when grass is not to be found)

    Posted by SandraH on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Chin

    I think it’s good to hear from people like yourself who are directly affected if the changes were to take place

    Posted by Chin on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    EmmaLouise2023

    Would seaweed not be too high in sodium for cows?

    Posted by EmmaLouise2023 on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Miro

    Worth a try, with the situation as bad as it is. As long as seaweed is good for livestock to eat...

    Posted by Miro on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Vie88

    If seaweed is good for the animals and the environment then it should be done.

    Posted by Vie88 on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Elandra

    If seaweed is not a usual and natural part of their diet or in accessible area where they are grazing then I don't see any benefits.

    Posted by Elandra on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Tara Rata

    Terrible idea.

    Posted by Tara Rata on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Helen

    I wouldn’t have a clue if it would work or not but it would be amazing if it did. I put seaweed on my dogs food, it stops plaque buildup.

    Posted by Helen on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    ranceby

    costs involved would play a large part. dairy farmers around here have said it may be worth looking into.

    Posted by ranceby on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Debra

    Has anyone asked the cows? They might not like the taste of seaweed.

    Posted by Debra on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Kit1347

    Been told by many that this is the case, but haven’t seen much about it. Seaweed is great for lots of things according to media. Doubt that cattle emit enough methane to make a huge difference, maybe the human population could tryit too☺️

    Posted by Kit1347 on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Kay

    I don’t have the knowledge to comment on whether cows eating seaweed would cut their methane emissions, but how would this work in remote areas, i.e. transport costs, etc?

    Posted by Kay on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [2] [0]
    Lesley

    We have more worrying and important issues to consider, e.g. Domestic Violence, Children's education (in other words, teach them basic education instead of ramming global warming down their necks).

    Posted by Lesley on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Enchantress

    It seem sensible to work with nature but sometimes doesn't work the way we envisage ie cane toads

    Posted by Enchantress on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    wombatwagon

    Sounds strange but if it works its worth trying

    Posted by wombatwagon on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Chippy Minton

    Seaweed is a great way to feed certain animals in Australia why hasn't some one who has the knowledge and skills to develop this industry proceeded with it.

    Posted by Chippy Minton on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Jibberman

    An interesting idea especially if the cows will actually eat the seaweed.

    Posted by Jibberman on 13 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Maryam

    This doesn’t sound good.

    Posted by Maryam on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    tassiegirl

    I am not sure how this would work in reality. Let the cows eat their normal grass and hay.

    Posted by tassiegirl on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Rachel

    I don’t really know but I think cows should just be left to eat the grass and there should not be any interference

    Posted by Rachel on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    sandra

    I understand that seaweed is high in nutrients but the logistics of collecting, removing the excess salt and transporting it to farming areas might end up producing more greenhouse gases due to the fuel etc, than it saves. An interesting idea but I'm not sure it would be practical.

    Posted by sandra on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    tutti_cutie

    I have no idea myself. I have heard that Grill'd have a new range of burgers using the beef from such cows. They are more expensive so I don't know whether people would take to them as the cost of living is so high these days.

    Posted by tutti_cutie on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    samsterchan

    Methane can be a tricky gas to store due to the risks. This needs proper planning.

    Posted by samsterchan on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Your loaded question merely hints at what is going on. The seaweed is merely a supplement added to feed, and doesn't affect the cows so much as the bacteria that live in their stomachs! This CSIRO-developed, seaweed-based supplement, cuts cattle methane emissions by up to 99.9 per cent. The challenge isn't "will it work". The research won the international Food Planet Prize, after all. The challenge is, can the market create enough of the product at a sufficiently low price point that makes it all worthwhile! https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/592243-hold-off-for-now-on-feedin g-seaweed-to-cows-to-reduce-methane/

    Posted by ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Leisa

    If methane emissions are a natural way as a result of breaking down fibres in their stomach, would it hurt or change their chemistry if it is not naturally secreting?

    Posted by Leisa on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Mollllllly

    I think this will lead to more problems due to needing to farm seeweed and deliver it to everyone that has cattle.

    Posted by Mollllllly on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [1]
    Not_A_DoDo

    This is stupid on Steroids, Co2 n Methane are not planet destroying. How about we focus on stopping USA and their military operations, which produce REAL pollution that is harmful to all life, human, animal, vegetation. As well as Murdering Millions ever decade. Cows were designed to eat grass. Humans were designed to Use their brain, and not swallow everything the media tells us. AND How many chemicals will be used to make seaweed suitable for land animals. HOW R WE GOING to LIVE without Co2???

    Posted by Not_A_DoDo on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [1]
    possum71

    Well would it hurt if the farmers tried and at least they are trying. The farmers found the cattle ate the seaweed any way because it can give them some mineral, vitamin advantage over other cattle that do not have this available to them. If it reduce this a litle then it is still a reduction and any reduction is a start.

    Posted by possum71 on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    mid

    think this is a ridiculous suggestion

    Posted by mid on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Tara Rata

    We should leave them to their natural feeding, don't feed them seaweed and possibly ruin their digestion for our sake.

    Posted by Tara Rata on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    SagoLeo

    I agree with Eileen. Where on earth would we get enough seaweed to feed all the world's cattle? It's a good idea but I seriously have doubts about how it would work. Thanks

    Posted by SagoLeo on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    merryl

    It could be worth a try, but transporting the seaweed could be a problem.

    Posted by merryl on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [1] [0]
    Eileen

    As a former beef producer I just wonder where are farmers to get all the seaweed needed to feed all the cows in Australia, let alone the world. It's OK for a class of Uni students to do experiments force feeding a few beasts to eat something no bovine was meant to eat and then earning a degree for deciding its pooh doesn't stink but realistically unless someone somewhere can produce enough palatable seaweed to replace the luscious grass or grain currently available - forget it! What about all the other industries which also rely on huge quantities of seaweed - eg fertilisers, medicines, cosmetics and the so called 'wellness' industry?

    Posted by Eileen on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    wrestling collector

    It is worth a try,even though eating seaweed regularly does not sound very appealing for the poor animal.

    Posted by wrestling collector on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    Ally42

    I guess it depends how the methane emissions differ from feeding them grass versus seaweed.

    Posted by Ally42 on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [2] [0]
    Deborah

    What about the carbon emissions generated by transport and gathering. What if I eat baked beans while driving the truck and fart all the way there.

    Posted by Deborah on 08 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [0] [0]
    EmmaLouise2023

    We obviously need to find a way to use the gas you're producing as fuel, Deborah.

    Posted by EmmaLouise2023 on 10 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

  • [2] [1]
    mact

    Maybe we should also feed humans Kelp products to reduce methane emissions!!! Global warming is NORMAL. It's happened b4 and it will continue to be a dynamic and ever evolving phenomena for the life of this planet. If bulllshit indeed baffles brains then this Green inspired snow job is a great example!

    Posted by mact on 08 Feb 2023
    Reply | Alert Moderator

Join LiveTribe
Thousands of Aussies and Kiwis have already discovered the benefits of their FREE LiveTribe membership. Join and start earning online today! Sign Up
Get Rewarded!

Comment on brands, products and services and be rewarded for your opinions! Join in and discover LiveTribe’s extensive range of rewards.

View More
Join Our Monthly Competition!

Enter for a chance to win a $100 prize.

345 x 145

Members Testimonials
Lyn
"This is a great site. Love doing their surveys." Lyn B., QLD
Mary
"Just found out I won $150 in the competition – Thank you LiveTribe." Mary H., SA
Barbara
"Boy! Am I happy, to win a $150 Hoyts voucher, I love my movies." Barbara F., VIC
Elizabeth
"Awesome survey giving so much information on mining, thank you." Elizabeth A., WA
Frank
"My rewards from LiveTribe just keep rolling in. Keep it going, LiveTribe" Frank B., VIC