The addition of seaweed in cows’ diets increases dry matter intake, resulting in higher milk productivity and improved milk composition.
- 5% higher milk yields
- Better omega 6/omega 3 ratio in the milk
- Improved fat, protein, and lactose yields
- Approximately 80€ extra income per cow per year
- Improved herd health
The inclusion of seaweed in cow diets has been proven to provide several health benefits for the animal, including:
- Improved rumen function, resulting in better feed efficiency
- Increased fertility
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects
Seaweed added to cattle rations influences fermentation in a positive way. This results in a reduction of methane emissions and a higher production of volatile fatty acids. Seaweed has more than 14,000 species and one species has more impact on rumen function than the other. It is therefore important to choose the right species, which requires a high level of knowledge and experience with seaweed.
Thanks to the higher milk production yields and improved animal health, the inclusion of seaweed in cows’ diets is a key tool for farmers to increase net yields per cow and offset costs.