As the global population grows, the demand for agriculture and animal feeding is increasing. Algae have received much attention as a potential source of nutrients to promote agriculture and animal husbandry.

Nutrition in Algae

Algae are photosynthetic microorganisms that consume atmospheric carbon dioxide and light energy to produce a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, as well as trace elements including minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids. About 30% of the world's microalgal biomass production is currently used for animal feed applications.

• Proteins
  Microalgae are considered to be a very promising source of protein. Some strains of microalgae produce large amounts of protein and can be a potentially renewable resource for feed supplementation. For example, Cyanobacterium Arthrospira can contain up to 70% protein. Microalgae such as Chlorella and Arthrospira (Spirulina) are sustainable protein sources suitable for human consumption because they contain essential amino acids similar to those obtained from traditional protein sources such as soy and eggs. The microalgae most widely used in protein-rich feed supplements include species such as Chlorella, Arthrospira, Dunaliella, Tetraselmis, Phaeodactylum, Skeletonema, and Scenedesmus.

• Carbohydrates
  Carbohydrates are an important component of microalgae because of their nutritional and medicinal value. In fact, beta-1-3-glucan, a soluble fiber found most importantly in Chlorella sp., is an antioxidant that helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. In addition, xylose, mannose, glucose, galactose, and rhamnose are the most common species-dependent monosaccharides that can be obtained through the production of microalgal polysaccharides.

• Lipids
  Some microalgal species are considered to be the best sources of dietary lipids. Depending on the strain and culture conditions, microalgae can produce up to 50% of lipids (w/w) (on a dry weight basis), sometimes even more. The long-chain fatty acid profile of some microalgae can be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (AA), and linoleic acid (LA). Some microalgal species are considered to be good sources of these essential fatty acids, such as Isochrysis, Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, and Arthrospira.
• Carotenoids
  Carotenoids provide nutritional, therapeutic, and antioxidant properties. Carotenoids are commonly used as food coloring agents and about 200 carotenoids can be obtained from microalgae. Among them, β-carotene and astaxanthin are the most commercially produced carotenoids.

• Vitamins and Minerals
  Microalgal biomass is a valuable source of many essential vitamins that can be used to supplement feedstocks. These include vitamin A and other retinoids, B vitamins such as thiamine (B1), niacin (B2), nicotinic acid (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine phosphate (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (tocopherol), and various trace metals and minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Multiple Applications of Algae in Agriculture and Animal Farming

Because of their rich nutritional resources, algae play an important role in the cultivation of agricultural crops as well as in the animal farming.

Our Services

As an expert in algae research, Lifeasible is capable to provide high-quality algae isolation and culture services, algae engineering services, algae analysis services, algae genetic screening services, algae-based production services, algae monitoring services, algae treatment services, and algae-based biosensor services for environmental monitoring. Please contact us for more information.

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