Sunshiki Co., Ltd.

Sunshiki and Kochi University Announce Conference Presentation on Cultivation of Seaweed 'Asparagopsis', Effective for Reducing Livestock-Derived Methane Emissions

Successful Experiment: Production Test of 'Asparagopsis taxiformis' in Tanks Achieves Tenfold Growth in 10 Days.

Amid the increasing importance of stable production of seaweed 'Asparagopsis', Sunshiki and the group led by Professor Hiraoka from Usa Marine Biological Institute, Laboratory of Seaweed at Kochi University, have been conducting collaborative research on Asparagopsis production.

Through this initiative, our research on the tank production method of Asparagopsis taxiformis sourced from Kochi Prefecture has yielded results of academic significance. To widely disseminate these findings and present them to the academic and industrial communities, Sunshiki and the group from Professor Hiraoka's laboratory at Kochi University will be presenting at the '48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Phycology.'

Highlights of Presentation

(Excerpted from Abstract/Translated)

In this study, seedlings were prepared from Asparagopsis taxiformis collected along the coast of Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture.

In outdoor tank production trials, the initial biomass of 13g increased to approximately 134g within 10 days.

The dried biomass produced during this period contained 3.5% of bromoform, a methane suppression factor.

Background of the Research

The Issue of Methane Emissions from Ruminant Animals

The microorganisms present in the stomachs of ruminant animals such as cattle produce methane during digestion, which is primarily released into the atmosphere through burps.

The greenhouse effect of methane is estimated to be 28 times greater than that of carbon dioxide(1), and the greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant animals, which number in the billions worldwide, account for approximately 4% of the total global emissions(2).

To mitigate climate change, some countries have set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock industry, necessitating the search for solutions.

What is Seaweed 'Asparagopsis taxiformis'

'Asparagopsis taxiformis' is a type of seaweed classified as a red algae, widely distributed across the globe, including the tropical Pacific region.

Research has shown that by supplementing cattle feed with 0.2% of Asparagopsis, methane emissions can be reduced by up to 98% (3).

However, the mass production technology for Asparagopsis has not yet been established, and startups and research institutions worldwide are actively engaged in research in this area.

The establishment of stable mass production technology for Asparagopsis is seen as a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock industry. There are high expectations for advancements in research in this field.

Future Outlook

We will continue our research efforts aimed at developing efficient production methods for Asparagopsis and optimizing environmental conditions to further enhance the productivity of Asparagopsis aquaculture.

Building upon the findings of this study, we plan to conduct production trials on a larger commercial scale. While we have already developed highly efficient production techniques, our goal is to demonstrate their scalability and pave the way for commercialization.

Through these initiatives, we aim to bring innovation to Asparagopsis production and contribute to the sustainability of the livestock industry.

About Sunshiki

Sunshiki is a startup utilizing Japanese seaweed technology to deliver seaweed-based products to the world.

Currently, our main focus lies in developing feed supplements aimed at methane reduction, utilizing Asparagopsis.

About the Laboratory of Seaweed at Kochi University

A highly efficient seaweed production system has been developed in the laboratory.

Tank production technology for edible seaweed, devised in the laboratory, has been commercialized and disseminated nationwide from Kochi Prefecture.

The laboratory is researching the ecology and reproduction of seaweed and developing algae biomass production technology capable of addressing climate change.

Contact Information for Press Inquiries

Sunshiki Co., Ltd.
Contact: Ryo Kubota
Mail: info@sunshiki.com