Timothy B. Jordan1, Laura Tedone1, Joseph P. Hutchinson1 and Alistair S.P. Frey1
1Analytical Services Tasmania, 18 St Johns Ave, New Town, TAS, Australia
Bromoform has been shown to significantly reduce methane outputs from ruminants, even at low-percent inclusions in feed. The red macroalgae Asparagopsis spp is a rich source of naturally occurring bromoform, and commercial production is increasing in Australia. Levels of bromoform present in each processing and extraction step can differ due to a range of variables in processing and raw materials used. Additionally, the volatile nature of bromoform means levels can be markedly affected by processing and storage conditions. It is therefore crucial to employ a robust method for analysing bromoform in a wide variety of matrices. Here, we present the first NATA-accredited method (National Association of Testing Authorities, under ISO/IEC17025) for analysis of bromoform in seaweed and oil-based extracts. Expansion of the method to other matrices, including feed pellets, animal tissue, and milk has also proven successful.