Development of a Microalgal and Brewers' Spent Grain (BSG) Feed Supplement

Summary

This project is one of several projects that aim to create a novel supply chain for a methane-mitigating ruminant feed supplement combining Brewers' Spent Grain (BSG) with nutrient-rich microalgae grown using CO2 brewery waste emissions. This will create a circular bioeconomy utilising two brewery waste-streams, adding a new profit line to breweries and establishing a supply chain of nutritious feed for Australian livestock.

This project will evaluate the algal/BSG supplement using the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec) to determine effects on microbial growth and fermentation, protein synthesis, and gas production. The major output from this investment will be product testing of a formulated supplement that reduces methane emissions from ruminant digestion.

Objectives

The objectives of this project are: 

• to investigate the effect of algal/BSG supplements and a control feed on microbial growth and fermentation, protein synthesis and gas production using the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec).
• to investigate the effects of algal/BSG supplements on animal performance responses, carcase characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid profiles in sheep.
• to investigate the effects of algal/BSG supplements on rumen fermentation, CH4 production, nutrient utilization and the rumen and faecal microbiota in steers
• to investigate pipelines for appropriate commercialisation.

Benefits to industry

If methane mitigation and productivity benefits for the red meat industry can be achieved, microalgae offer an easier to scale, easier to commercialise and adopt, and more environmentally sustainable emissions solution than some other additives.  

Technologies that significantly reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants in grazing operations would help to achieve industry’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 (CN30). This has benefits for the industry’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable food production and is a key point of difference for Australian red meat in the global market.