Asparagopsis taxiformis supplementation reduces methane yield by 54% in dairy cows via vitamin B12-dependent pathway modulation and rumen microbiome restructuring (microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com)

• 0.5% ASP supplementation reduced methane yield by 54% in Nordic Red dairy cows.
• Metagenomic analysis showed reduced vitamin B12 biosynthesis genes (e.g., -29.92% for EC 2.7.8.26) and C1 metabolism pathways.
• Dominant rumen taxa decreased while less abundant taxa assumed methane-related functions, indicating community restructuring.

"A study published in Microbiome shows that feeding Nordic Red dairy cows 0.5% Asparagopsis taxiformis (ASP) reduced methane yield by 54% (g CH₄/kg DM). Metagenomic analysis revealed decreased abundance of genes for vitamin B12 biosynthesis (e.g., adenosylcobinamide-GDP ribazoletransferase -29.92%) and C1 metabolism, while pyruvate and propionate pathways increased. Dominant taxa like Prevotella and Methanobrevibacter declined, with less abundant taxa compensating for methane-related functions, indicating niche displacement and community restructuring. The work was funded by EU Horizon 2020 SEASOLUTIONS."