Tasco: Influence of a brown seaweed on antioxidants in forages and livestock - A review

This review explores how supplementation with the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (Tasco) influences antioxidant systems, immune function, and production outcomes in livestock. Research shows that Tasco enhances antioxidant activity in both plants and animals—elevating compounds such as vitamin E, vitamin C, β-carotene, and key enzymes like superoxide dismutase.
In livestock, these effects translate into improved immune responses, better stress tolerance, and enhanced product quality. For example, cattle grazing Tasco-treated forage showed improved immune function, increased selenium and vitamin status, and longer-lasting benefits through transport and finishing phases. Additionally, Tasco supplementation was linked to improved meat quality, including retention of marbling in retail cuts and extended shelf life - likely due to its antioxidant properties and effects on reducing lipid oxidation.
Importantly, the review highlights that Tasco’s benefits are most pronounced under stress conditions (e.g., fescue toxicosis, heat), where oxidative stress is elevated.