Abstract

Unicellular freshwater microalgae of the genus Chlorella are characterised by a relative ease of cultivation, high productivity and high content of proteins and other valuable components. However, the alga is too expensive to use widely as a protein supplement in animal feed. Nevertheless, 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 utilisation and promote reproduction; the use of Chlorella biomass might therefore increase the value of animal products for human consumption. Significant results were also achieved in the use of Chlorella biomass as a carrier of organically bound selenium and iodine that play a substantial role in the thyroid hormone regulation in an organism.

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