Researchers Study Seaweed as Possible Cattle Feed Option

Researchers are studying seaweed as a possible alternative feed source for cattle as livestock producers face rising costs and environmental pressure.

Narsimha Pujari of the Canadian Light Source says climate challenges, expensive crops, and pressure on grazing land are forcing scientists to look at new feeding options for livestock.

Research scientist Wade Abbott of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada worked with experts at the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan to examine how cattle digest seaweed and how it affects the gut.

The study found an increase in bacteria that help cattle break down marine material, showing the animals were able to digest seaweed even though it differs from common feeds like grass and hay.

Researchers described the finding as the “latent trait hypothesis,” meaning some helpful microbes already exist in the animal’s gut and increase quickly when new feed is introduced.

Abbott said crystallography research at the Canadian Light Source helped scientists understand how the bacteria digest seaweed at the molecular level.

He said seaweed is not expected to replace traditional feed because of high costs, but researchers believe it may offer benefits such as boosting immunity and serving as an alternative to antimicrobials.

Abbott added that the research may support future work on sustainable agriculture and new livestock feeding methods.