September 16, 2009

Algae may have a role in reducing methane production in the livestock industry, said a team of researchers at Australia's James Cook University (JCU).

 

Sea plants, including algae and seaweeds, do not need nearly as much structural cellulose as land plants because they are supported by water.

 

That may point to the potential of sea plants as a low-methane fodder source, in particular the fast-growing algae that can be used to soak up excess nutrient in treatment of water used by aquaculture.

 

JCU nutritionist Tony Park believes that marine algae may offer another protein source for cattle, especially in winter when feed is scarce.

 

The algae are about 20 percent protein, and carry a lot of other vitamins and minerals, including salt, he said. Parker also noted that their cattle ate the algae they dried out, and the animals appeared to like it.

 

Parker and marine scientist Professor Rocky de Nys's new research is sponsored by a A$7,000 (US$ 6,062) "Collaboration Across Boundaries grant, which will enable them to study two species of green tide algae - Cladophora coelothrix and Chaetomorpha indicia.

 

These types are identified as the best for bioremediation of pond effluent due to their hardiness, fast growth and efficient nutrient uptake.