Microalgal-based feed: promising alternative feedstocks for livestock and poultry production

Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology

Rihab Rasheed¹  Sami Sayadi¹  Imen Saadaoui¹  Maroua Cherif¹  Hareb Al Jabri¹  Ana Aguilar²  Schonna R. Manning² 

[1] Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O.Box.2713, Doha, Qatar;Department of Molecular Biosciences, UTEX Culture Collection of Algae, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA;

关键词: Functional feed;    High-value metabolite;    Livestock production;    Microalgae;    Poultry product;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40104-021-00593-z

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

There is an immediate need to identify alternative sources of high-nutrient feedstocks for domestic livestock production and poultry, not only to support growing food demands but also to produce microalgae-source functional foods with multiple health benefits. Various species of microalgae and cyanobacteria are used to supplement existing feedstocks. In this review, microalgae have been defined as a potential feedstock for domestic animals due to their abundance of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, vitamins, and other high-value products. Additionally, the positive physiological effects on products of animals fed with microalgal biomass have been compiled and recommendations are listed to enhance the assimilation of biomolecules in ruminant and nonruminant animals, which possess differing digestive systems. Furthermore, the role of microalgae as prebiotics is also discussed. With regards to large scale cultivation of microalgae for use as feed, many economic trade-offs must be considered such as the selection of strains with desired nutritional properties, cultivation systems, and steps for downstream processing. These factors are highlighted with further investigations needed to reduce the overall costs of cultivation. Finally, this review outlines the pros and cons of utilizing microalgae as a supplementary feedstock for poultry and cattle, existing cultivation strategies, and the economics of large-scale microalgal production.

【 授权许可】

CC BY