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January, 2022
Victorian Agriculture Ag g Minister Mary ry-Anne y Thomas examines a new seaweed feed additive with Ellinbank Smart rtt Farm dairy ryy scientist Pablo Alvarez. photograph michelle slater
EMISSIONS WEED-ED OUT red seaweed has reduced methane by 90 per cent when fed to cattle in feedlots. “Here we want to understand the potential to reduce methane emissions and also the impact on milk production,” Prof Jacobs told Gippsland Farmer.
“We still want the animals to produce milk cost effectively to make this a viable option for dairy farmers.” The dairy cows at the West Gippsland-based farm were being given the special additive in their twice daily feeds in a controlled
setting that mimicked their grazing patterns. The milkers were decked out in a special non-invasive harness and halter with tube over the animal’s nose that led to a canister to capture the animal’s belches. Continued on page 6
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ELLINBANK dairy cows are taking part in a trial to chow down on a special species of seaweed in an attempt to reduce their greenhouse gases. Ellinbank Smart Farm
researchers are feeding dairy cattle Tasmanian-grown red seaweed (Asparagopsis) which has shown great potential to significantly reduce methane emissions. Agriculture Victoria research director, Professor Joe Jacobs said
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By MICHELLE SLATER