Written answers
Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Agriculture Industry
Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
1250. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list all current trials and research under way by bodies under his aegis into the use of seaweed supplements for the reduction of methane in ruminants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/25]
Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is outlined in the table.
| Name of Agency | Details of current trials | Details of current research |
|---|---|---|
| Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Bord Iascaigh Mhara | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Marine Institute | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Sea Fisheries Protection Authority | Nil Return | Nil Return |
Greyhound Racing Ireland (Rásaíocht Con Éireann) | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Horse Racing Ireland | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Irish National Stud | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Bord Bia | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Coillte | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| National Milk Agency | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| Teagasc | Teagasc advise that there is currently no study underway using seaweed supplements to reduce enteric methane. However there has been research completed in this space over the past number of years. The details are provided below: DAFM funded (SEASOLUTIONS and METHABATE): Seaweeds and seaweed-ingredients to reduce enteric methane emissions from pasture-based sheep, cattle and dairy cows Research Ireland and DAFM funded: Vista Milk project on Asparagopsis meal and pellet trials. Asparagopsis armata is a species of red seaweed, which has been widely proven to reduce enteric methane in ruminants. | |
| Veterinary Council of Ireland | Nil Return | Nil Return |
| (Agri-Food Regulator) Board of An Rialálaí Agraibhia | Nil Return | Nil Return |
No comments