How to Grow Seaweed for Cows' Health

The seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis is a game-changer for reducing methane emissions from cows. It's packed with bromoform, which helps cut down on the gas cows release. But there's a catch: we need more of this seaweed to make a real difference. To get more seaweed, scientists are studying how to grow it better. They looked at different temperatures, light cycles, light intensity, and nutrients to see what makes the seaweed grow fastest and healthiest. Temperature was a big deal. At 10°C, the seaweed didn't grow well, no matter the light cycle. But at 20°C, things changed. With an 8:16 light:dark cycle, the seaweed started making tetrasporangia, which are like tiny factories for new seaweed. Light intensity also played a role. At 20°C with the right light cycle, the seaweed grew best at high light intensity (160 μmol photons · m -2 · s -1 ). But it only made tetrasporangia at lower light levels (20 and 40 μmol photons · m -2 · s -1 ). Nutrients mattered too. High nutrient levels helped the seaweed grow and reproduce better. So, to grow lots of healthy seaweed, you need to control the temperature, light, and nutrients carefully. This research shows that we can grow more Asparagopsis taxiformis by tweaking these factors. That means more seaweed for cows, and less methane in the air.