21 Nov Is seaweed the answer to livestock methane emissions?
Worldwide, the race is on to find new ways to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. Finding ways to cut methane emissions from livestock and maintain animal health is also a priority for many farmers.
Red seaweed, particularly Asparagopsis, has captured the imagination of government, scientists, and investors for its potential to lower livestock methane emissions.
Mining barons, tech billionaires, and eco-enthusiasts alike are also among the enthusiastic supporters of using red seaweed as a supplement to mitigate methane production in ruminant animals like cattle and sheep.
No doubt, it’s a global problem that deserves our attention, and we support all efforts to tackle it from every possible angle.
Biolink’s Probiotic Feed Supplement: A Promising Alternative available to farmers right now
While researchers are still striving to produce seaweed at scale and at an affordable cost to farmers, we’re pleased to say our own microbial-based formulas are already seeing results.
As farmers, we have first-hand experience caring for our animals and the land.
That’s why we created Opti-Gut, a microbial probiotic, to help farmers improve livestock health and feed efficiency. But we had a “gut” feel through searching a lot of research around the world that it might have some methane control properties.
We’ve also developed a range of multi-species microbial fertilisers, soil stimulants, and compost starters to increase fertiliser and nutrient efficiency, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as they are other environmental issues that farmers will need to address.
Our approach offers a range of benefits worth taking a look at:
Sustainable and easy-to-use feed supplements and fertilisers
Opti-Gut is accessible and can be easily integrated into existing livestock feeding practices. Pelletised Opti-Gut probiotics are blended into grain or mixes for extra weight gain and quick turn-off.
For pasture-fed animals, Opti-Gut All Weather Dry Lick formula can helps promote better digestion and nutrient absorption. It has the bonus of additional minerals to assist in optimum mineral density of the diet.
The health of your livestock will also benefit from using BIO-HUM concentrated probiotic fertiliser additive in your fertiliser program. Or if you’re using a soluble application, use BIO-HUM soil drench to fortify your fertiliser (mixing 1kg per hectare and applying via your spray unit or fertigation system).
With no withholding period, BIO-HUM is ideal for grazing paddocks and pastures. BIO-HUM boosts micronutrient uptake and promotes healthy plant growth. It will also increase the efficiency of your conventional fertiliser.
Consistent Results – lower methane emissions and increased nutrient uptake
Opti-Gut has shown consistent methane reduction and increased nutrient uptake in our trials. These positive results are seen in both the field and our independent experiments.
Our initial laboratory test results show that:
- Adding Opti-Gut at the recommended dose (30g/day/animal) reduced methane production.
- The volumes of methane produced were 37% less at 12 hours, 26% less at 24 hours, and 22% less at 48 hours.
- At the same time, the trial showed an increase in yield per amount of food.
A Cost-Effective way of reducing methane emissions and improving feed efficiency
Managing the cost of farming inputs – like fertilisers and feed – is top-of-mind with all farmers. Products like Opti-Gut are not only affordable, but they also help farmers reduce feed costs by improving nutrient utilisation.
Our microbial-based products offer a cost-effective approach to lowering methane emissions while supporting the growth and health of livestock.
Achieving positive outcomes for the environment
The reduced methane emissions resulting from Opti-Gut’s use not only benefit farmers by improving the overall health and nutrient efficiency of their livestock, but it also contributes to better environmental outcomes.
Talk to us about how we can help reduce methane emissions, improve productivity, and boost plant and animal health.