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BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

ERA-GAS: Seaweeds and seaweed-ingredients to reduce enteric methane emissions from pasture-based sheep, cattle and dairy cows

Awarded: NOK 3.9 mill.

SEASOLUTIONS aims to break new ground in unravelling the mechanisms by which selected seaweed species as feed ingredients, their preservation and processing and application formats impact on methane emissions from sheep, beef cattle and dairy cows, and on the effect of seaweed on health, feed efficiency and dietary preferences of the animals in question. The project will decipher the effect on the rumen and intestinal microbiomes of animals fed a diet containing selected seaweed species/seaweed bioactives. This is achieved by carrying out large scale animal trials in the partner countries. Methane emissions and the microbial process of the rumen are monitored and captured using chambers, sensors, and ICT technologies, and through collation and analysis of resultant meta-data. By engaging in an international network of scientific and industry excellence, we have the ambition to i) elucidate the underlying mechanisms of seaweed impact on methane emissions, ii) develop tangible mitigation strategies, iii) evaluate the mitigation effect through a network of animal trials monitored using ICT technologies, iv) calculate the cost-benefits on a national/EU/Canadian level and v) raise awareness among national and international stakeholders. Innovative approaches to animal diet and nutrition (correct processing of seaweeds for use as palatable ingredients with known bioactive profiles for beef, sheep and dairy cows) create a basis for reduced methane emissions and improved animal health in agriculture and consequently, a more sustainable food production process. The two Norwegian partners, SINTEF and NIBIO, participate with seaweed characterisation and processing, and animal feeding, respectively. SINTEF also contributes in analyses of the samples from the animal feeding. So far, the cultivated species Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta, and residues from alginate extraction from wild-harvested Laminaria hyperborea, have been characterised with respect to macro-composition and content of potential bioactive and toxic components. Further, the three seaweed species, and extracts and fractions from these, have been characterised by in vitro simulated rumen fermentations. The last year, a feeding experiment was performed, including sheep fed grass silage and one of two concentrates: control and algae. Daily feed intake, growth rate and methane production was measured. We collected samples of blood, urine, faeces and rumen fluid and the iodine content in all samples was analysed. For the rumen samples, the content of low-molecular mass metabolites has been analysed, while the analysis of the microbiota composition remains. The results showed an elevated level of iodine in all samples collected from sheep receiving the algae concentrate. Most of the iodine was excreted in the faeces. L. hyperborea reduced the methane production the first weeks of the feeding period, but the effect decreased over time. There were no differences in feed intake or daily weight gain between animals in the two groups. As an overall picture, the metabolite analyses showed larger differences with time than between the two diets. Data processing is still ongoing, with focus on single metabolites, and groups of metabolites.

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SEASOLUTIONS will break new ground in unravelling the mechanisms by which selected seaweed species, their preservation and processing and application formats impact on methane emissions from sheep, beef cattle and dairy cows and on the health, feed efficiency and dietary preferences of the animals in question. It will also decipher the effect on the rumen and intestinal microbiomes of animals fed a diet inclusive of selected seaweed species/seaweed bioactives. This will be achieved by carrying out large scale animal trials monitored and captured using chambers, sensors and ICT technologies in different partner countries and through collation and analysis of resultant meta-data. Animal trials will only be employed following in vitro simulated rumen experiments. By engaging in an international network of scientific and industry excellence, we have the ambition to I) elucidate the underlying mechanisms of seaweed impact on methane emissions, ii) develop tangible mitigation strategies, iii) evaluate the mitigation effect through a network of animal trials monitored using ICT technologies, iv) calculate the cost-benefits on a national/EU/Canadian level and v) raise awareness among national and international stakeholders. The innovation potential of our approach lies predominately in the application of existing and generated knowledge for the sake of more environmentally sound animal and subsequently food production strategies. Innovative approaches to animal diet and nutrition (correct processing of seaweeds for use as palatable ingredients with known bioactive profiles for beef, sheep and dairy cows) will create a basis for reduced methane emissions and improved animal health in agriculture and consequently, a more sustainable food production process.

Publications from Cristin

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Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram