Utilization of microalgae and their processing by-products in animal nutrition

Processing of microalgae involves different by-products of no or low value for humans. Use of these processing residues in animal nutrition could ensure a valuable and sustainable utilization of these by-products and therefore could contribute to further optimization of the microalgae value chain in food and feed.

Nutrional value of by-products will vary depending on the preceding processing steps, the algae species and the growth conditions. Therefore the objective of this subproject is to investigate the suitability of different microalgae and their processing by-products as animal feed. The by-products will primarily be derived from collaborators of the consortium. The focus of this study will be on the nutritional value of these products for ruminants. Additionally the investigations will enable predictions for non-ruminant animals (pigs, poultry).

The investigations will be performed on a laboratory scale using different established in vitro techniques. The microalgae and their by-products will be characterized by comprehensive chemical analyses. Digestibility and energy values will be determined using different in vitro approaches. And degradation of nitrogenous fractions as well as the effects of the algae products on microbial protein synthesis and methane synthesis in the rumen will be included.

Together with results from the other projects in the consortium, these results will contribute to making the whole microalgae production and utilization chain become more efficient.