Sunday Pick: How a special seaweed is lowering methane emissions—one cow burp at a time | from Speed & Scale

Asparagopsis, a specific variety of seaweed, serves as a potent feed additive capable of reducing methane emissions in cattle by up to 98%. By inhibiting methane production in the animal's gut, this seaweed not only mitigates a significant source of greenhouse gases but also improves livestock productivity, allowing for greater weight gain with less feed. While currently approved for use in Australia, global scaling faces regulatory hurdles, as different regions classify the seaweed as either a feed material or a drug. Despite these challenges, industry leaders and researchers are collaborating to standardize production and secure safety approvals. Although this innovation offers a pathway to lower-emissions beef and dairy, it remains a partial solution, as sustainable livestock management must also address broader environmental issues like deforestation and overall consumption levels.