The supplement makes up less than 0.3% of the cattles feed; the company said it works by preventing hydrogens from binding to carbon atoms during digestion and creating methane in cattle burps.
A study by researchers at University of California, Davis, published in July this year, claimed that the persistent reduction of methane emissions in beef steersbysuch A. taxiformissupplementation would suggest this is a viable feed additive to decrease the carbon footprint of ruminant livestock and potentially increase production efficiency.
FeedNavigator (FEN) had a Q&A with Joan Salwen, CEO and co-founder of Blue Ocean Barns, to gauge the potential for the cattle feed supplement.
JS: A commercial pilot using the red seaweed supplement was approved by the USDA National Organic Program this year. Blue Ocean Barns is in conversation with other regulators, both at the state and federal levels. As for commercial scale-up, we already have begun cultivating in Hawaii, and expanded operations to Southern California this month. We are on track for commercial operations to begin late next year.
JS: We are planning to commercially launch with farmers inCalifornia. That said, Blue Ocean Barns has been in discussions with several global brands and their supply chains may encourage us to launch in other states or countries.We do not yet have a brand name for our supplement.
JS: Our cultivation is on land in controlled photobioreactors, but we also will source material from ocean farms that meet our standards for quality and environmental stewardship. We have multiple patents pending that cover our proprietary manufacturing method.
JS: Producing this type of red seaweed at scale and at high potency is not an easy task. The seaweed grows fast and plentifully but can be fragile and needs to be optimized for use in cattle. I'm happy to say that our scientists and growing team have made a string of significant breakthroughs and our seed stock is expanding exponentially. By the end of 2021, we expect our proprietary supplement to be available at commercial scale.
JS: Like kelp and nearly all seaweeds approved for use in food and feed, A. taxiformis produces bromoform. Study after study has shown the same thing: No bromoform residue nor abnormalities of any kind were detected in the animals meat, organs, fat, or feces. Additionally, bromoform levels in the tested milk were exactly the same as those found in the cows' drinking water on the farm - with no increase from the seaweed supplement.
JS: Our product has been shown in tests at UC Davis to reduce feed intake by 14% without any loss of average daily gain (ADG). A significant cost reduction in feed would be a strong win for farmers, since feed is their highest cost. We aren't yet ready to announce our commercial sales and distribution strategy, but the Blue Ocean Barns supplement will be a clear net-positive for farmers.
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Greening cattle diets, US company looks to the ocean - FeedNavigator.com
