Practice Abstract - Research and innovation
Potential of microalgae as feed ingredients
In a world with a growing population, there is an increasing demand for protein, mainly more sustainable alternatives to soy. Microalgae could be a good alternative to soybean meal due to their high protein content and other valuable nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants and a high proportion of essential -3 and -6 fatty acids. The potential use of four microalgae was tested within ProFuture: Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis oceanica, Spirulina platensis and Tetraselmis chuii as alternative feed ingredients for broilers has been assessed at Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) in the Mas Bové Centre (Constantí).
This evaluation comprised different studies.
- Precise characterisation of microalgae: nutrient composition, hygroscopicity, flowability, and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) fractions.
- Formulation and production of isoenergetic and isoproteic pelleted broiler feeds replacing soybean meal by each of the microalgae.
- Evaluation of feed quality: homogeneity, stability (water activity), flowability, pellet durability, and in vitro digestibility of DM, OM and CP nutritive fractions.
The microalgae were well distributed in the feed (homogeneity of mixing had a CV< 1%) and no clear differences were detected over three months on stability of feeds. All microalgae increased feed pellet durability from 1 to 2.5 points compared to soybean feed (95.1%). The digestibility of nutrients of microalgae was variable and in general lower than those of soybean meal. Although some feed parameters did not reach the values obtained for the soybean control, it is considered that these microalgae could partially replace soybean meal (around 50%) in broiler feeds, allowing a soya imports decrease.
Source Project
Ongoing | 2019-2023
ProFuture
Ongoing | 2019-2023
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Spain