As pressure to reduce heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere mounts, an increasing body of research has shown that seaweed added to cattle feed could dramatically reduce livestock's impact.

How does seaweed help cows?

Methane from cows is a big contributor to climate change — feeding them seaweed may help. About 25% of all methane is produced directly from fermentation by cows. Seaweed feed is reducing the amount of methane cows produce, according to research being conducted at the University of New Hampshire.

Can cows survive on seaweed?

Scientific research elsewhere in the world has found that certain seaweeds have reduced methane production in live cattle by as much as 80 per cent. ... So, it's really important to start examining B.C. seaweeds that are abundant or easily grown and could be beneficial for cattle, he said.