The role of Asparagopsis Taxiformis in ruminal methanogenesis and modulation of metagenomic functional profiles in vitro
The ruminant-microorganism symbiosis is unique by providing high-quality food from fibrous materials while also contributing to the production of one of the most potent greenhouse gasses - methane. Mitigating methanogenesis in ruminants has been a focus of interest for many researchers in the past decades. One of the promising strategies to combat methane production is the use of feed supplements, such as seaweeds, that might mitigate methanogenesis via microbiome modulation and direct chemical inhibition of some methanogenic components. To broaden the knowledge in this field, we conducted in vitro investigations of the effect of three seaweeds (Ascophyllum nodosum, Asparagopsis taxiformis, and Fucus vesiculosus) harvested at different locations (Iceland, Scotland, and Portugal) on methane production. Beside studying fermentation characteristics, we applied metataxonomics (16S amplicons) and metagenomics (shotgun) methods to uncover the interplay between microbiome's taxonomical and functional states,  methanogenesis rates, and seaweed supplementations.