What happens when you add seaweed to a cattle diet? Dr. Juliana Ranches, assistant professor and beef extension specialist at Oregon State University, joins Lauren on Cattle USA Daily to break down her research into methane emissions, grazing cattle, soil carbon and the surprising role seaweed could play in the future of cattle nutrition. Her research takes a holistic look at the entire grazing system, with the goal of finding supplementation strategies that don't just reduce methane emissions, but can also improve cattle efficiency, productivity and the return for producers. Links: Juliana at OSU: https://anrs.oregonstate.edu/directory/people/juliana-ranches 369: The Damage Wildfires Are Doing to Your Cattle with Dr. Juliana Ranches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80YSOplynVU CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5mCattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: Much of the methane research has focused on feedlot and dairy cattleRangelands may have the ability to act as carbon sinksJuliana's research takes a 360-degree approach to grazing systemsForage quality and seasons can influence cattle emissionsSeaweed may reduce methane and improve energy efficiencyPacific dulse is being studied as a potential cattle supplementAn early trial saw about a 9% methane reduction in 21 daysCattle showed no issues consuming the seaweed in the initial trialResearchers want the supplement to provide benefits beyond methane reductionSoil carbon is another key piece of the researchThe goal is a cost-effective supplement that benefits cattle, producers and the environment Chapters: 00:00 – Juliana Ranches Returns to Cattle USA Daily02:12 – Understanding Methane From Grazing Cattle04:17 – Taking a 360-Degree Approach07:48 – Why Are Cows Eating Seaweed?10:00 – Growing Seaweed for Cattle Supplementation12:04 – The Role of Soil Carbon13:26 – What Would Success Look Like?15:46 – Early Results From the Seaweed Trial17:35 – The Bigger Conversation Around Methane19:36 – What Producers Need to Know Juliana Ranches, Oregon State University, cattle research, cattle nutrition, beef cattle nutrition, cattle efficiency, cattle supplementation, seaweed cattle supplement, seaweed for cattle, Pacific dulse, cattle methane, methane emissions, carbon emissions, carbon sequestration, soil carbon, carbon sinks, grazing cattle, grazing research, rangeland research, forage quality, cattle grazing, cattle production, beef industry, sustainable cattle production, cattle sustainability, feed efficiency, cattle nutrition research, beef extension, cattle producers, ranchers, livestock research, methane reduction, grazing management, pasture management, rangeland management, forage management, cattle supplements, cattle performance, cattle health, cattle productivity, cattle science, beef production, agricultural research, livestock nutrition, Oregon cattle, cattle sustainability research
