L.EQT.2306 - The effect of red asparagopsis oil on the eating quality of long-fed cattle
Evaluating the impact on eating quality of the meat produced using asparagopsis oil will be one of the factors influencing the adoption of the methane inhibiting feed additive by the industry.
| Project start date: | 05 January 2023 |
| Project end date: | 30 September 2024 |
| Publication date: | 17 March 2025 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
|
Download Report
(1.6 MB)
|
|
Summary
This project aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding red asparagopsis extract in canola oil on the eating quality (EQ) of long-fed cattle (280 days).
This experiment utilised 76 long-fed (280 DOF) F1 Wagyu x Bos indicus composite cattle with the treatment group receiving Asp-Oil supplying 25mg bromoform/kg feed dry matter (DM). Three cuts were collected, chosen for their different ageing potential and quality (e.g. connective tissue) and aged for either seven or 35 days postmortem. The ASP treated oil significantly (P<0.05) reduced the juiciness by 4.4 points across all cuts and ageing periods, whereas other eating quality attributes (MQ4, tenderness, flavour, overall liking and satisfaction) were not significantly changed when treated with ASP oil compared to the control group. Additional eating quality trial work will be conducted in future opportunities to understand eating quality impacts in other production types, e.g. short fed, formulations and concentrations. Combined results will aid in determining if any adjustments are required for the MSA model.
Objectives
The project objectives were:
1. Determine the impact of feeding red asparagopsis infused oil on the meat-eating quality of long-fed beef (280 days).
2. Determine the impact of feeding red asparagopsis infused oil on the post-mortem ageing potential of meat from long-fed beef (280 days).
Key findings
- Feeding an asparagopsis extract in canola oil (Asp-Oil) at 25 mg/kg DM to F1 Wagyu steers for 280 days did not significantly affect sensory panel attributes except the juiciness by 4.41 points.
- Marbling was slightly increased by 0.03 to 0.04 points due to the inclusion of ASP in the diet.
- Eating quality improved with ageing up to 35 days for all of the selected cuts.
Benefits to industry
This research represents one of the commercial trials of asparagopsis products conducted in conditions relevant to the Australian feedlot industry, and it's also one of the longest feeding experiments involving asparagopsis products. Consequently, it offers crucial data to support the adoption of Asp-Oil in extended feeding programs in feedlots, particularly concerning meat-eating quality.
MLA action
Publish report online and evaluate collated eating quality data from multiple trials to further asses any effects of feeding asparagopsis oil.
Future research
Currently, there is no established supply chain for asparagopsis sp. for livestock feed, and the feasibility and costs associated with scaling up production of these species remain undetermined. For livestock producers, it's crucial to assess the economic advantages of any potential seaweed product. Even if regulations require the use of seaweed or other products to mitigate methane emissions, producers may face increased financial burdens if animal performance does not concurrently improve.
More information
| Project manager: | Matthew Scott |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | The University of New England |
