Possible use of seaweed (Gracilaria tenuistipitata Var. Liui) to the reduction of enteric methane emissions from dairy cattle

Abstract

Objective: Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. Liui is a red seaweed, artificially cultivated in Nuniachara sea beach at Cox’s Bazar, primarily utilized as a human diet and nutritional supplement in Bangladesh. It has specific industrial applications as well. The study sought to assess the potential for enteric methane (CH4) reduction of this seaweed from the cattle industries. Materials and Methods: To explore the diversified application of this seaweed in livestock feed industries to reduce enteric CH4 production from ruminants, a feeding trial was done at the Pranisheba research and development cattle farm, Savar, Dhaka. An ambient CH4 amount was measured with and without the application of seaweed in concentrate feed by a sensor-based Internet of Things device of the remote cowshed monitoring system. Other clinical parameters, like feeding amount, body temperature, and consistency of feces, were physically monitored. Results: After proximate analysis, the composition of total crude protein, crude fiber, and moisture of G. tenuistipitata var. Liui was 24.09%, 0.18%, and 21.31%, respectively. The quantity of total energy was 2,615 kcal/kg. Adding 1% seaweed to the cattle-concentrated diet on a dry matter basis lowered the average ambient CH4 concentration from 48.30 ± 4.45 to 41.02 ± 3.41 ppm; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Average body temperature, amount of daily feed intake, and consistency of feces remain unchanged. Conclusion: The results show that there is a chance that G. tenuistipitata var. Liui could be used to stop cattle from making enteric CH4.