Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
A scientific justification, focused on the development of the sustainability of feed ingredients and farm animals’ ecosystems, is required. Thus, it is crucial to search for alternative feed materials from natural sources for potential applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prospective utilization of freshwater Cladophora glomerata (C. glomerata) as an alternative source of protein and other essential nutrients in animals’ feed. For this purpose, chemical analysis was performed on collected biomass samples from the Lithuanian rivers, Dubysa (B1), Šventoji (B2), Nevėžis (B3), and Jūra (B4). Microelements (Ca > K > N > P > Mg), trace elements (Zn > Cu), and heavy metals (Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd) have not exceeded permissible levels. The crude protein content of C. glomerata biomass ranged from 16% to 21.5% DM. The essential amino acid profile excelled, with the highest total amino acid amount of 140.99 g/kg in B4. The highest total presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (11.71%) as well as the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (0.22) was observed in B1. The lowest ratio of omega-6/omega-3 was in B1 (1.30). As a result of bioaccumulation, C. glomerata could serve as a source of proteins, as well as amino and fatty acids, implying that biomass could be an alternative and a beneficial component of animal feed.
Highlights
The increasing population is directly correlated with the increasing consumption of animal products [1]
C. glomerata biomasses collected from different Lithuanian rivers and analysed during our study showed that the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio significantly differs between all biomasses, except between B3 and B4 (the same ratio was obtained (p > 0.05))
Because the content of compounds such as proteins, amino acids, lipids, and elements in Cladophora species is similar to that of plants used as feed materials, these algae could be used as a valuable feed additive [8]
Summary
The increasing population is directly correlated with the increasing consumption of animal products [1]. Intensified development of sustainable livestock farming, while applying the use of innovative or alternative feed additives, could contribute to the sustainability of any animals’ ecosystem. Materials from aquatic ecosystems such as algal biomass as protein and other essential nutrients source could be applied in feed production [2,3,4]. This would help to alleviate the scarcity of fodder feed materials, and the incorporation of algal biomass into feed production would help to address another global issue: greenhouse gas emissions from livestock activities [5]. Since the cultivation of algae requires small areas and their reproduction is rapid, or they are found naturally in nature, the cultivation of fodder crops could be optimized
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
