From The Stockman Grassfarmer (February 2000), Vol. 57, No.2: 26
PASTURES FERTILIZED WITH SEAWEED PRODUCE HEALTHIER LIVESTOCK AND BETTER
QUALITY MEAT.
STARKVILLE, Mississippi: Fertilizing pastures with seaweed extract or
feeding cattle seaweed meal was found to have multiple benefits in research
in three Southern states. Among these are better weight gains, improved
carcass quality and more resistance to disease.
The research is part of a joint program conducted by Mississippi State,
Texas Tech. and Virginia Tech.
The program was first begun at Virginia Tech by Vivien Allen to find ways
to fight fungus infestation in tall fescue. Years of testing showed that a
seaweed processed into a water-soluble form was not only fighting the
fungus infection but giving other unexpected benefits.
Kevin Pond, chairman of Texas Tech's Animal Science and Food Technology
department said the overall effect on livestock eating the treated foliage
has included animals with better weight gains, carcass quality and more
resistance to disease.
"We found that by applying a specific seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum, in an
extract to the pasture--or by directly feeding the seaweed meal to
animals--that their immune system or their ability to fight diseases is
enhanced." said Pond.
"The effects of seaweed seen in the finished beef product also include a
more desirable color, improved uniformity, decreased browning and less
discoloration of the meat."
At Mississippi State's Prairie Research unit, the seaweed additive in a
powdered form is mixed with water and sprayed on the pasture at a rate of
only three pounds per acre.
--Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi
Ronald Nigh
Dana, A.C.
Mexico, D.F. & San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Tel. y FAX 525-666-73-66 (DF)
529-678-72-15 (Chiapas)
danamex@mail.internet.com.mx
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