Methane is a strong greenhouse gas that cows exhale. One of the possible ways to limit methane emissions from cows is by feeding the animals the seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis. This seaweed contains high concentrations of bromoform, a substance that counteracts the formation of methane in the cow’s rumen. Research by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) shows that bromoform can then end up in the milk and urine of the cow.
Bromoform toxic
“Bromoform inhibits the formation of methane in the cow’s rumen. However, it is also toxic. ”, Says Wouter Muizelaar, researcher at Wageningen Livestock Research. Previous research linked the seaweed A. taxiformis to rumen wall damage in sheep.
Seaweed effect on cows
“That is why we wanted to know what effect A. taxiformis has on cows. Does bromoform end up in the milk, urine, manure or animal tissue? Where is it? This research shows that bromoform from A. taxiformis can end up in milk and urine. Reason to reconsider whether it is desirable to feed this type of seaweed to cows. ”
Long-term effect unknown
The rumen wall of 2 of the 12 cows was examined, and this revealed abnormalities and signs of inflammation, as in sheep. This worries Muizelaar: “Bromoform in its pure form is harmful to health. Previous research has already shown this. It is not without reason that maximums have been set for the amount of bromoform that drinking water may contain. There are no maximum limits for foodstuffs. The fact that the substance can now also be found in the milk is extra worrying. Food safety must of course always be beyond any form of doubt. ”
Research destroyed milk
The researcher therefore emphasizes that there is currently no milk containing bromoform in the supermarket. The milk from this study has been destroyed.
Negative Effects of Seaweed
Muizelaar concludes that the bromoform-containing seaweed can greatly reduce the methane emission of cows, but argues for further research to rule out negative effects for cows and consumers.
Asparagopsis taxiformis
This research focused on the specific seaweed species Asparagopsis taxiformis, because it contains concentrated amounts of bromoform. Now that the use of this type raises question marks, the obvious question is whether you should feed seaweed to cows at all.
Research on other types of seaweed
Muizelaar explains that other seaweed species contain less or no bromoform, but may also reduce methane. “They work slightly differently because they contain other methane-lowering ingredients. So I still see seaweed as a promising option that we should continue to explore. ”
Methane research
WUR has been researching ways to prevent or absorb methane formation in livestock farming for years. For example, we are investigating, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality which measures can be taken regarding animal feed, animals, stables and manure storage.
Source: WUR
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