Abstract
Proteins are essential constituents of animal feeds, which comprise mainly vegetable protein (e.g., soybean meal), which is produced and transported globally. The decoupling of protein-production and livestock-growth areas results in protein deficiencies in certain parts of the world, and in significant environmental stress. Alternative, more sustainable protein feeds are necessary to meet the increasing needs, and to decrease the environmental footprint of animal products. Yeast Single Cell Proteins (SCP), produced locally using various agro-industrial by-product streams, have significant potential as alternative animal feed protein. Particularly, Yarrowia lipolytica, an oleaginous, non-pathogenic microorganism has been characterized as a “workhorse” in biotechnological studies, drawing the attention of many researchers. The present review summarizes available resources on critical issues concerning the applicability and commercialization of Yarrowia lipolytica as an environment-friendly protein source for animal feed. It discusses the sustainability of the yeast SCP production process, it presents the recent advances concerning Yarrowia lipolytica cultivation on low-cost agro-industrial by-products, and it stresses the effects on the health and welfare of productive animals due to the inclusion of Yarrowia lipolytica in their diet. The data presented in this study should facilitate relative research advancement and the commercialization of Yarrowia lipolytica’s use as an alternative protein source/supplement for animal feeds.
Highlights
Animal product consumption is expected to continue growing in the following years; the World Health Organization (WHO) estimations on per capita consumption of livestock products by 2030 is 134.8 kg per year, increased approx. 18% compared to 1999 [1]
Critical issues associated with the large-scale commercialization of the use of Yarrowia lipolytica as Single Cell Proteins (SCP) in animal feed comprise the use of low-cost substrates, mainly originating as AWCB; the applicability and benefits of its use as SCP in animal feed; and the sustainability of its production process compared to current vegetable proteins
This study demonstrated the versatile characteristics of Yarrowia lipolytica and its ability to grow on low-cost agro-industrial wastes
Summary
Animal product consumption is expected to continue growing in the following years; the World Health Organization (WHO) estimations on per capita consumption of livestock products by 2030 is 134.8 kg per year, increased approx. 18% compared to 1999 [1]. Critical issues associated with the large-scale commercialization of the use of Yarrowia lipolytica as SCP in animal feed comprise the use of low-cost substrates, mainly originating as AWCB; the applicability and benefits of its use as SCP in animal feed; and the sustainability of its production process compared to current vegetable proteins. Results from the inclusion of Yarrowia lipolytica in other productive bird diets (e.g., turkey hens) have shown that the incorporation of dry yeast in a dose of 3% to 6%, stimulates the body’s immune defense mechanisms [41] It seems that further research is necessary on the effects of the novel ingredients (e.g., SCP) on animals’ health, feed efficiency and overall productivity. Data concerning the optimum inclusion dose of SCP in animals’ diet would decrease the uncertainty of the various sustainability studies and would facilitate the commercialization of SCP, as well as of other alternative protein ingredients, in animal feed
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