Everybody has heard of Kelp farming, but many other types of UK macroalgae are also suitable and viable to farm. One of these is Knotted Wrack ( Asophyllum), which grows slightly slower than Kelp but has many more benefits, especially for Livestock health. Ulva Sea Farms is now offering you a chance to invest in the farming of Knotted Wrack.
Knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) is a rich source of
various minerals and nutrients. It contains:
Iodine: Essential for thyroid function and overall health.
Vitamins: Includes vitamins B12 and E, which are not found
in land plants
Trace Elements: A variety of trace elements that are vital
for human health
Polysaccharides: These help detoxify and moisturise the skin.
Fucoidans: Sulfated, fucose-rich polymers that have
anti-inflammatory properties.
Knotted wrack is considered one of the richest food sources
of minerals and nutrients, making it beneficial for health.
Benefits for livestock in eating knotted wrack.
Knotted wrack, Ascophyllum nodosum, offers several benefits
for livestock, including:
Rich in Nutrients: It provides a wide range of vitamins,
minerals, and trace elements, which are essential for livestock health.
Supports Glandular Health: The iodine content in knotted
wrack helps regulate the activity of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid
glands, supporting overall glandular health.1
Promotes Oral Health: The natural anti-inflammatory
properties of knotted wrack can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, leading
to better dental health.
Enhances Immune System: The nutrients in knotted wrack can
support the immune system, contributing to the overall well-being of livestock.
Improves Overall Well-being: Including knotted wrack in
livestock diets can lead to increased stamina and improved immune system
health.
These benefits make knotted wrack a valuable addition to
livestock diets, providing essential nutrients and supporting various aspects
of animal health.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum that reduce methane are
primarily phlorotannins (a type of polyphenol), as well as certain peptides and
lipids.
Unlike the red seaweed Asparagopsis, which is known for
potent halogenated compounds like bromoform, Ascophyllum nodosum achieves
methane reduction through different bioactive compounds and mechanisms.
Key Methane-Reducing Extracts
Phlorotannins (Polyphenols): These are the primary
anti-methanogenic compounds in A. nodosum. Their proposed mechanisms include:
Directly inhibiting methanogenic archaea (the microorganisms
that produce methane).
Forming complexes with proteins and fiber in the rumen,
which can reduce the overall fermentation process and the availability of
hydrogen (H₂) for methane synthesis.
Inhibiting certain cellulolytic bacteria, which alters the
microbial community and reduces the supply of H₂ to methanogens.
Peptides: Specific novel peptides identified in fermented A.
nodosum extracts have shown potential antimicrobial activity against
methanogens in laboratory settings.
Lipids (Fatty Acids): The presence of certain fatty acids,
such as alpha-linolenic acid, may also contribute to methane reduction, though
this area requires further research. Lipids can interfere with the
methanogenesis process and help shift the rumen fermentation towards producing
less methane.
Other Potential Compounds: The seaweed also contains other
bioactive compounds and functional carbohydrates that may act as prebiotics or
have antioxidant properties, all of which can influence the rumen microbiome
and indirectly reduce methane emissions.
The effectiveness of these compounds can vary depending on
factors such as the harvesting season, geographical location, and how the
seaweed is processed (e.g., fermentation, drying
The concentration of phlorotannins in Ascophyllum nodosum is
highly variable, but generally ranges from 4% to over 15% of its dry weight.
The specific amount depends on a variety of factors including the season,
geographical location, and environmental conditions.
