Abstract
Abstract Recently, microalgae, natural marine resources, have gained increasing interests as a feed for animals. Chlorella vulgaris microalgae are single-cell microorganisms that have been used to provide nutrition to humans and animals for centuries. In the present review, we unveil the composition and nutritive value of C. vulgaris microalgae as a feed for ruminants. Research has shown that inclusion of C. vulgaris microalgae in diets improved feed utilization, milk production and quality, growth performance, and meat quality in ruminants, as a result of improved diet nutritive value. Very low doses of C. vulgaris in feed enhance growth and lactational performance of ruminants. Additionally, C. vulgaris showed very promising results as an alternative to corn and soybean meal; however, it is an expensive protein feed. Therefore, the main constraint to use of C. vulgaris as a feedstuff is its high cost of production, making improvement of cultivation technology to reduce the production costs a critical issue in the near future.
Highlights
There is increasing demand for meat and milk
The relatively high protein content of C. vulgaris is in contrast with the limited nutritive value of its protein for non-ruminants due to its content of non-protein nitrogen that is composed of nucleic acids, nitrogen-containing cell walls, and amines; ruminant can utilize it with high efficiency (Madeira et al, 2017; Ru et al, 2020)
In many experiments, it was found that even a very low, economically acceptable addition of Chlorella biomass to animal feed can positively influence growth and performance. This is due to the presence of pigments, antioxidants, provitamins, vitamins, and a growth substance known as the Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), which can stimulate or enhance the immune system, increase feed intake and utilization, and promote reproduction (Kotrbáček et al, 2015; Madeira et al, 2017; Ru et al, 2020)
Summary
Kholif et al Lamminen Safi et al Maruyama (2017 b) et al (2017) (2013) et al (1997). Generally, about 20% of the microalgal proteins are bound to the cell wall, 50% located inside the cells, and the remaining 30% continually migrate in and out of the cell (Berliner, 1986). The amino acids profile and quality of C. vulgaris protein favorably meet the standard proposed for human nutrition by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) (Safi et al, 2014). Palmitic and linolenic acids, and oleic acid are the major lipidic components of C. vulgaris (Kholif et al, 2017 b) (Table 3). C. vulgaris can have up to more than 13% lipid content (Kholif et al, 2017 b). Others (Safi et al, 2014) reported a lipid content ranging from 5 to 58% of dry weight. In addition to chlorophyll comprising about 1–3% dry algal cell weight (Kotrbáček et al, 2015), Chlorella contains a wide range of orange and yellow carotenoids that contribute to photosynthesis as well as to the protection of cellular structures against damage by free radicals and ultraviolet radiation. The structure of chlorophyll closely resembles hemin (important for hemoglobin formation), making it useful for increasing the red blood cells (Rani et al, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
