Climate change is forcing producers and scientists to rethink some long-held assumptions about livestock nutrition. Researchers studying what happens inside the gut of cows fed seaweed as an alternate nutrient source observed a bloom, or proliferation, of bacteria they believe was involved in digestion, which suggested the cattle were successfully breaking down and digesting the marine material.
Wade Abbott’s team noted seaweed won’t replace hay or traditional animal feeds, but the health benefits may be significant. “We’re seeing potential for seaweed as an alternative to antimicrobials, or as an immunity booster,” he said.
Source: Feedstuffs, May 19, 2026. Link.
Rumen bacteria enable cows to digest marine material, creating potential to use seaweed as an immune booster.”
Image: Link.
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