CANBERRA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- A compound derived from red seaweed can dramatically reduce methane emissions from grazing beef cattle without harming their calves, new research reveals.

In an eight-week trial with 80 pregnant and lactating Angus cows, adding a bromoform extract from red seaweed to their diet cut methane emissions by 49 percent to 77 percent, said a statement of Australia's Adelaide University released Monday.

The results show strong potential to reduce emissions under real-world farming conditions, said lead researcher Mariana Caetano, a senior lecturer at Adelaide University.

"This is a substantial reduction, particularly in an extensive system where delivering consistent supplementation can be difficult," Caetano said.

Researchers reported no negative effects on calf growth or development. Cows also consumed slightly less feed, with potential cost savings for producers, which is an important incentive for adopting bromoform, alongside the environmental benefits.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and livestock are a major source, according to the study, published in Frontiers in Animal Science. ■