Algae Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of the Dietary Blue-Green Algae (Spirulina platensis) Supplementation and Egg Storage Period on Egg Quality Traits, Blastoderm Characteristics and Hatching Results of Mast Geese (Anser anser).

This study aimed to determine the effects of the dietary Spirulina platensis supplementation and egg storage period on egg quality traits, blastoderm characteristics and hatching results of Mast geese. For this purpose, the control group was fed the standard enterprise diet, while the experimental group received the same diet supplemented with 0.5% S. platensis. Quality traits of the eggs (shape index, shell thickness, breaking strength, albumen/yolk ratio, albumen index and yolk colour) were evaluated according to diet groups. Except for the yolk ratio of these traits, the mean values obtained from the experimental group were higher than the mean values obtained from the control group (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation of S. platensis did not affect blastoderm diameter (BD) but significantly increased the blastoderm viable cells (BVCs) (p < 0.001). Although early embryonic mortality (EEM) was statistically significantly affected by diet groups and storage time, late embryonic mortality (LEM) was affected only by diet groups (p < 0.001). Dietary S. platensis supplementation significantly increased pipped (PIP) classified under the LEM (p < 0.001). Storage period affected internal and external egg traits at different statistical significance levels. As the storage time increased, the breaking strength (p < 0.05), albumen ratio, albumen index, yolk index, Haugh unit decreased (p < 0.01; p < 0.001), while the yolk ratio, and albumen pH increased (p < 0.001). An increase in BD, and a decrease in BVCs were determined with prolonged storage period (p < 0.001). In the classification of LEM, the storage period significantly affected unabsorbed yolk sac (UYS) and the PIP. With prolonged storage time, UYS and PIP significantly increased (p < 0.05; p < 0.01), which is classified under LEM. According to these results, we suggest that S. platensis supplementation to goose diets would be beneficial, but the detailed further studies are needed for more effective results.

Supplementation of red alga (Porphyra) improves nutritional profile, protein digestibility and sensory acceptance of tempeh

Abstract Tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food product created through the fermentation of soybeans by Rhizopus molds, is notable for its essential nutrients and potential health benefits as a functional food. Recent developments have focused on enhancing tempeh’s functional value, particularly through the addition of algae. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional profile, protein digestibility and sensory acceptance of tempeh co-fermented with dried Porphyra, a red alga commonly known as nori. The findings revealed that algae supplementation at 2.5% w/w and 5% w/w significantly increased the mineral content and protein digestibility of tempeh. Additionally, alga-supplemented tempeh received a higher preference for aroma and taste compared to conventional tempeh, as revealed by a hedonic rating sensory analysis. Taken together, these findings support alga supplementation as a novel strategy to enhance the functional properties of tempeh.

Effects of dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period on the efficacy of methane mitigation strategies in dairy cows: A meta-analysis

The objective of this meta-analysis was to quantify the potential of CH4-mitigating strategies in dairy cattle when accounting for the effects of treatment dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period. Data from 218 studies with dairy cattle published between 1963 to 2022 were reviewed. Individual CH4 mitigation strategies selected for the analysis were algae (Asparagopsis spp.), 3-nitrooxypropanol, nitrate, lipids, plant secondary compounds, and direct-fed microbials (DFM). Response variables evaluated were daily CH4 emission (g/d), CH4 yield (g CH4/kg DMI), and CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg milk yield [MY] and ECM). Relative mean difference between treatment and control means reported in the studies were calculated and used in the statistical analysis. Robust variance estimation method was used to analyze the effects of CH4 mitigation strategies. Dose, forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C), dietary concentrations of CP, ether extract (EE), NDF, ADF, and starch, and supplementation period were used as continuous explanatory variables. Data for algae supplementation were limited and responses to studied species were contrasting but, overall, Asparagopsis spp. effectively decreased daily CH4 emission, CH4 yield, and CH4 intensities by 29.8 ± 4.6%, 23.0 ± 5.3%, 34.0 ± 4.3%, and 22.6 ± 7.3%, respectively. Supplementation of 3-nitrooxypropanol decreased daily CH4 emission, yield, and intensity (per kg MY and ECM) by 28.2 ± 3.6%, 28.7 ± 2.8%, 29.2 ± 3.1%, and 31.8 ± 2.8%, respectively, compared with control. Decreasing dietary fiber (i.e., F:C, NDF, and ADF), whereas increasing dietary starch concentration increased the efficacy of 3-nitrooxypropanol at mitigating enteric CH4 emission. Nitrate supplementation decreased CH4 emission, yield, and intensity (per kg ECM) by 18.5% ± 1.9%, 17.6 ± 1.6%, and 13.0 ± 0.2%, respectively, compared with control. Efficacy of nitrate at mitigating enteric CH4 yield and CH4 intensity was positively associated with dose, and efficacy of nitrate at mitigating CH4 yield was positively associated with dietary starch concentration. Lipid supplementation decreased CH4 emission, yield, and intensities by up to 14.8 ± 2.3%, respectively, compared with control. Efficacy of lipids supplementation was positively associated with dietary EE, starch, and supplementation period, but negatively associated with dietary ADF concentration. Free oil supplementation tended to increase lipid efficacy by 31% at decreasing CH4 emission, compared with control. Condensed tannins and plant-derived bioactive compounds decreased CH4 yield by 11.3 ± 2.9% and 5.7 ± 2.5%, respectively, but oregano did not affect enteric CH4 emission metrics in the current meta-analysis. Direct-fed microbials were not effective in mitigating enteric CH4 emission variables. Data were limited to determine the effects of dietary nutrients and duration of supplementation on efficacy of Asparagopsis spp., plant secondary compounds and DFM. Overall, supplementation of the diet with Asparagopsis spp., 3-nitrooxypropanol, nitrate, and lipids were the most effective strategies for decreasing enteric CH4 emission in dairy cattle. Variability in the efficacy of most CH4 mitigation strategies can be partially explained by differences in treatment dose, dietary nutrient composition, and supplementation period.

The Effect of Algae Supplementation on Anthropometric Indices in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Inconsistent results have been reported regarding the effects of different types of algae, such as Spirulina and Chlorella, on anthropometric indices. To conduct a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of algae supplementation on anthropometric indices. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted to find relevant articles published from January 1990 to January 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing algae supplementation with a placebo or control group were included. The risk of bias and certainty of the evidence were evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, respectively. The random-effects model was used to find the Weighted mean differences (WMDs) for each outcome. Of 9079 distinct articles in the initial screening, 61 clinical trials were included in this meta-analysis. Algae supplementation resulted in lower body mass index (WMD, -0.27 kg/m2 (95% CI, -0.42 to -0.13); GRADE rating, low), body weight (WMD: -0.78 kg [-1.18 to -0.38]; GRADE rating, low), waist circumference (WMD, -0.68 cm [-1.27 to -0.10]; GRADE rating, very low), kilograms of body fat (WMD, -0.65 kg [-1.13 to -0.17]; GRADE rating, low), and body fat percentage (WMD, -0.9% [-1.62 to -0.17]; GRADE rating, very low) compared with placebo or controls. Nevertheless, the statistically significant effects of algae supplementation on hip circumference (WMD, -0.20 cm [-0.73 to 0.32]; GRADE rating, moderate), waist to hip ratio (WMD, -0.01 [-0.01 to 0.00]; GRADE rating, moderate), and lean body mass (WMD, -0.30 kg [-0.62 to 0.02]; GRADE rating, moderate) were not observed. Overall, the findings of this meta-analysis indicate supplementation with algae may exert beneficial effects on anthropometric indices. However, due to between-studies heterogeneity and very low to low levels of GRADE for significant outcomes, the results should be interpreted with caution. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024522923.

Evaluating the Potential of Marine Algae as Sustainable Ingredients in Poultry Feed

Algae are a complex source of crucial nutrients, including proteins, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates. The use of marine algae, specifically Sargassum species, Gracilaria species, and Spirulina species, as feed ingredients in poultry feed was examined in the current research. This study’s aims were to carry out lipid profiling, proximate analysis, and heavy metal toxicity testing, as well as to evaluate the presence of hazardous hydrocarbons in the algae and investigate the effect of the fatty acid profile of Sargassum species on broilers. The proximate analysis was conducted on the algae types containing considerable quantities of fats and proteins and a sizable quantity of omega-3 fatty acids. This research assessed the productive effectiveness of broilers with 2.5%, 6%, and 10% algal additions in their diet. Fatty acid profiling of Sargassum species was performed at 1% and 2% levels in the bursa, fat pads, heart, liver, spleen, thymus, thighs, and breast. The findings showed no significant differences in the development performance or feed utilization efficiency of broilers with 2.5%, 6%, and 10% algae supplementation in their diet. The results of fatty acid profiling showed changes in the heart, liver, and spleen at 1% and 2% supplementations levels. However, this research concludes that if algae partially replaces the imported feed proteins used in animal feed, then these can achieve maximum beneficial effects on poultry health and performance. Algae are sustainable, easy to produce, and cost-effective sources of nutrients and contain numerous bioactive compounds, which will contribute to sustainability and food safety.

EFFECT OF LOCALLY SOURCED ALGAE AS DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION ON BEHAVIOUR OF BROILER CHICKENS AT STARTER PHASE

Studies on the use of algae in animal diets have explored commercially manufactured algae biomass. However, there is dearth of information on the use of algae population found in the Nigerian waterways. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of locally sourced and heat-processed freshwater algae (Enteromorpha sp.) on the behaviour of broiler chickens at the starter phase. A total of 150 Arbor Acres strain of broiler chickens were used for this study. Birds were assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The treatments were replicated three times to contain 10 birds each. The treatments were T1- Control without algae biomass, T2 and T3- dehydrated algae biomass at 60°and 80°C, respectively, T4 and T5- oven dried algae biomass at 600 and 800 C, respectively. The algae biomass was incorporated into the diet at 0.5% inclusion rate. Feeding of birds with algae-supplemented diet began during brooding and continued throughout the starter phase. During the 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of age, the behaviour of the chickens was observed and recorded via CCTV cameras, after which the frequency of occurrence of the feeding, drinking, walking, dustbathing and wing flapping behaviour were extracted. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using Tukey’s test. Among the behaviours observed, only the dustbathing behaviour was significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by algae supplementation. The behaviour was highest in broilers offered dehydrated algae biomass at 60°C. It was concluded from this study that heat-processing and supplementation of algae from Nigeria freshwater in broiler chickens’ diet did not have a negative impact on their behaviours.

Radioactivity concentration levels and potential radiotoxicity risk assessment of aquatic superfoods case study of algae supplements

It has been found that algae have a variety of health benefits, although investigations showed that they contain radiotoxic elements, including 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs, which may affect human health. This study is connected to activity concentration measurements of the above radionuclides in the algae supplements available in the Middle East markets. The annual effective radiation doses of measured radionuclides in analyzed algal supplements have been calculated. The highest values of annual effective doses have been estimated for 226Ra in Ecklonia (13.39 μSv/y) and for 232Th in Red Marine Algae (11.80 μSv/y), both from South Korea. In algal “superfoods”, the effective dose of 137Cs is not significantly affected by the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the activity levels of radionuclides are low, the naturally occurring radionuclides provide the most effective doses, and algae supplements can be considered safe.

Effect of Algae Supplementation on the Gene Expression of Liver Lipid Metabolism in Dairy Goat Bucks

This study aimed to investigate how diets supplemented with DHA-rich algae affect the expression of liver lipid synthesis genes in dairy goat bucks. The results revealed that when supplemented with DHA-rich algae, liver weight and serum HDL-C were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05), as well as serum LDL-C was significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing indicated that algae supplementation alters liver gene expression. The differentially expressed genes were predominantly enriched in fatty acid metabolism and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. The expression of fatty acid desaturation and transcription factors (SCD, FADS1, INSIG1), de novo synthesis fatty acids (FASN), fatty acid transport (LDLR), and cholesterol and steroid synthesis (HMGCR, HMGCS1, SQLE) genes were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05), and fatty acid oxidation (ALDH3B1) genes were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, this research provided preliminary evidence that supplementation with algae in dietary supplements altered the expression of the liver lipid synthesis genes in the Saanen dairy goat bucks.

Ruminal inocula with distinct fermentation profiles differentially affect the in vitro fermentation pattern of a commercial algal blend.

The in vitro rumen batch technique is widely used for screening novel feed sources; however, it remains unclear to what extent the in vitro fermentability of non-conventional feed sources is affected by non-adapted ruminal inocula. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the effects of distinct ruminal inocula on the in vitro fermentation parameters of a sustainable non-conventional feed, a commercially available algal blend composed of microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oceanica) and seaweeds (Ulva sp. and Gracilaria gracilis). First, four late-lactation Holstein cows were fed four forage-based diets varying only in the proportions of basal forage (100% corn silage, 70% corn silage and 30% haylage, 30% corn silage and 70% haylage, and 100% haylage) in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with the last square omitted. After 3 weeks of adaptation, haylage-based diets resulted in ruminal fermentation parameters distinct from those promoted by corn silage-based diets, as reflected in increased pH, ammonia-N contents, and acetate proportions. Individual ruminal fluids derived from each of the four diets were further used as inocula in in vitro incubations. Here, a 1:1 mixture of corn silage and haylage was supplemented with 0, 5, 10, or 15% algal blend and incubated with each inoculum for 24 h in a 4 × 4 factorial design. Total gas and methane production decreased with inocula from cows fed haylage-based diets and with increasing algal blend supplementation levels. The fermentation pH increased and the ammonia-N contents decreased with inocula from cows fed haylage-based diets; however, these parameters were not affected by algal blend inclusion levels. The interaction between the ruminal inoculum source and the algal blend supplementation level affected the total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and the proportions of most individual VFA. Total VFA production decreased with increasing algal supplementation levels, particularly with inocula from cows fed 30% corn silage and 70% haylage; the acetate, propionate, and valerate proportions were only affected by algal blend levels under incubation with 100% corn silage inocula. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of the ruminal inoculum source when assessing the fermentability of non-conventional feed as well as the potential of the algal blend as a natural modulator of ruminal fermentation.

Effects of algal supplementation in feed to broiler breeders on transfer of nutrients and antibodies to chicks and quality of hatchlings

Breeder nutrition is an important factor for chick quality since the chick embryo relies on nutrients available in the egg for growth and development. In addition, the egg is providing the chick with important antibodies that are vital during the first weeks of life. Brown algae contains several bioactive compounds, and dietary supplementation with algal extracts have shown improved gut health and immune responses in both pigs and poultry. The aim of this study was to investigate if feeding the brown algae Saccharina latissima, intact or as an extract, to broiler breeders can affect breeder hens’ antibody responses to vaccination, egg quality and transfer of antibodies and nutrients to the egg and thereby improve the quality of newly hatched chicks. Forty-five hens and nine roosters of the parent lines of the fast-growing broiler Ross 308 were included in the experiment where hens were 31 weeks at the start. The hens were housed individually and fed one of three dietary treatments for seven weeks; (a) control, (b) addition of 0.6% algal meal or (c) addition of 0.08% algal extract. The hens were given a booster vaccination against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) 21 days after the start of experiment. During experimental days 32–42, hens were naturally mated every 5th day and hatching eggs were collected. A total of 255 chicks were hatched, and chick quality was assessed. Moreover, on chick day three, blood was collected from 48 focal chickens and total immunoglobulin Y levels and specific titres to IBV in serum were determined. The results showed that feeding the brown algae Saccharina latissima, intact or as an extract to broiler breeders did not affect egg production, egg quality, antibody responses to vaccination or transfer of antibodies from hen to chick. However, feeding intact algae significantly increased the levels of iodine and decreased the level of selenium in the eggs and resulted in a lower proportion of chicks with maximum quality score. Interestingly, algal feeding, both intact and as an extract, increased the abdominal fat pad in broiler breeders by about 17% without affecting BW. In conclusion, supplementation of broiler breeder diets with algal extract from Saccharina latissima, but not intact algal meal is a promising dietary strategy to increase the abdominal fat pad without causing any adverse effects on nutrient level in eggs or chick quality.

Effects of Dietary Supplements of DHA-enriched Micro Algae Diet on Physical and Technological Properties of Dairy Cow Milk Fat

This study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of DHA-enriched micro algae diet on physical and technological properties of dairy milk fat in terms of the dynamic crystallization and melting behaviour. Two dairy cows were subjected to feeding regime of DHA-enriched micro algae diet and control diet. The experiment was carried out during 21-d to determine the normal (control) and DHA-enriched micro algae diet modified milk fat that were taken for further analysis. The melting and crystallization behaviour of the milk fat from the cows fed control and DHA-enriched micro algae diets was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Q1000 (TA Instruments, New Castle, DE, United States). DHA-enriched micro algae supplementation strongly affected the melting and crystallization properties of milk fat. Generally, the onset temperature (°C) of milk fat crystallization was significantly lower in DHA-enriched milk fat as compared to the control. The quantity of heat released by fat crystallization expressed as J/g (peak area) was significantly lower in enriched milk fat. DHA-enriched milk fat also had a lower peak maximum temperature as compared to control in all samples investigated. All melting curves displayed two peaks (lower melting and higher melting peaks) and for melting peaks, DHA-enriched milk fat melted at significantly lower temperature as compared to the control indicating an increase in the degree of unsaturation of milk fat. Melting offset temperature was significantly lower for DHA-enriched milk fat as compared to the control. It can be concluded that from the results of this study, micro algae supplementation significantly altered the milk fat composition and positively affected melting and crystallization behaviour of milk fat.

Influence of marine algae (Schizochytrium sp.) supplementation, ripening and vacuum packaging on goat cheese composition and fatty acid profile

The effect of diet (marine algae – MA; control – C), time of ripening (2 days, 4 and 8 weeks) and vacuum packaging on the composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of semi-hard cheese were evaluated in this study. Twenty-eight Alpine goats were housed indoors and randomly allocated to two groups: control group (C) was fed by 1500 g alfalfa hay and 600 g concentrate (n = 14); experimental group (MA) was fed by the same feed as C group supplemented 10 g/head/day Schizochytrium limacinum (n = 14). The study lasted 45 days, when milk samples were taken the last 10 days for their processing and analysis. Cheese samples (C: n = 15; MA: n = 25) were prepared from bulk milk from both groups and ripened. On day 2 of ripening, ten MA cheese samples were vacuum packed in foil. The semi-hard cheese samples were collected at 2nd day, then 4th and 8th weeks of ripening period. The MA supplementation did not significantly affect the composition of the milk. However, the MA supplementation had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on chemical composition of cheese, with the exception of fat content and fat content in TS. The supplementation of MA significantly (p < 0.05) increased the contents of DHA and rumenic acid in the cheese samples (MA group: 0.18 and 0.34 g/100 g, C group: 0.0 and 0.30 g/100 g of fatty acids (FA), respectively). The MA supplementation had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on contents of all odd- and branched-chain fatty acids in cheese, with the exception of C9:0. The ripening had significant (p < 0.05) influence on the rumenic acid (c9t11 C18:2) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) content in the cheese. Vacuum packaging (VP) had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the contents of fat, fat in TS and TS in cheese, while their contents were in all cases higher in unpackaged cheese. The VP also had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the contents of most of monitored FAs in cheese.

Changes in Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Milk and Cheese and Sensory Profile of Milk via Supplementation of Goats' Diet with Marine Algae.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the low level of Schizochytrium limacinum marine algae (daily 5 g per animal) on the milk, cheese, and whey composition; fatty acid profile of milk and cheese; and the sensory profile of goat milk using an e-nose device. Thirty Alpine goats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (C, n = 15)-fed grass with daily 600 g concentrate and the experimental group (MA, n = 15) who received the same forage and concentrate supplemented with 5 g/head/day marine algae. Animals were kept indoors and the investigation period lasted 52 days, including the first six weeks as the period of adaptation and the last 10 days as the treatment period. During the adaptation period, bulk milk samples from each group were collected once a week (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 d), while during the treatment period (10 days), bulk milk samples from each group were taken every day, and cheese samples were processed from bulk milk each day from both groups. Marine algae supplementation had no negative effect on milk composition. In contrast, the marine algae inclusion significantly elevated the fat and protein content of whey and the protein content of cheese, as well as the recovery of fat and protein in the curd, while increasing the cheeses' moisture content on a fat-free basis. The marine algae supplementation significantly increased the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the rumenic acid (CLA c9t11) concentrations and decreased the n-6/n-3 ratio in the milk and cheese. There were no significant differences between the C and the MA group with regard to the sensory profiles of the milk. It can be concluded that the milk obtained from goats given daily supplementation of 5g of MA has a fatty acid profile more beneficial to human health, without any negative effects on the milk's aromatic components.

Diet- and salinity-induced modifications of the gut microbiota are associated with differential physiological responses to ranavirus infection in Rana sylvatica.

Greater knowledge of how host-microbiome interactions vary with anthropogenic environmental change and influence pathogenic infections is needed to better understand stress-mediated disease outcomes. We investigated how increasing salinization in freshwaters (e.g. due to road de-icing salt runoff) and associated increases in growth of nutritional algae influenced gut bacterial assembly, host physiology and responses to ranavirus exposure in larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). Elevating salinity and supplementing a basic larval diet with algae increased larval growth and also increased ranavirus loads. However, larvae given algae did not exhibit elevated kidney corticosterone levels, accelerated development or weight loss post-infection, whereas larvae fed a basic diet did. Thus, algal supplementation reversed a potentially maladaptive stress response to infection observed in prior studies in this system. Algae supplementation also reduced gut bacterial diversity. Notably, we observed higher relative abundances of Firmicutes in treatments with algae-a pattern consistent with increased growth and fat deposition in mammals-that may contribute to the diminished stress responses to infection via regulation of host metabolism and endocrine function. Our study informs mechanistic hypotheses about the role of microbiome mediation of host responses to infection that can be tested in future experiments in this host-pathogen system. This article is part of the theme issue 'Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology'.

Impacts of algae supplements (Arthrospira & Chlorella) on growth, nutrient variables, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants in New Zealand white rabbits

An 8-week trial to examine the impacts of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris on the growth, nutrient aspects, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants of 75 New Zealand white male rabbits (initial body weight = 665.93 ± 15.18 g). Herein the study was designed in one-way ANOVA to compare the effects of the two algae species with two levels of supplementations in the feeds of New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into five groups (n = 15/group), where the first group was allocated as the control group (Ctrl) while the second and third groups received A. platensis at 300 or 500 mg/kg diet (Ap300 or Ap500). The fourth and fifth groups fed C. vulgaris at 300 or 500 mg/kg diet (Ch300 or Ch500). The basal diet rabbits exhibited the lowest values of weight, lipase, protease, and the highest feed conversion ratio, which improved noticeably with algae addition, particularly with Ap500, Ch300, and Ch500. All tested groups showed normal intestinal structure. Amylase potency, hematological indicators, and serum biochemistry revealed non-significant variation except for a higher serum total protein and lower total cholesterol in algal groups. The best GPx existed in groups fed algal diets, while favorable SOD and CAT efficiency occurred at the higher level of Arthrospira and both levels of Chlorella. In conclusion, incorporating Arthrospira or Chlorella in the diet of New Zealand white rabbits improved performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants. Arthrospira (Ap500) and Chlorella (Ch300 or Ch500) have almost the same beneficial effect on rabbit performance.

Attachment of V. cholerae with plankton biomass in two different ecological zones of Bangladesh

Seasonal variation and planktonic abundance has profound effects on the attachment of V. cholerae the devastating agent for causing cholera. As crustacean plankton is the primitive carrier for the cholera bacterium, which stage is the most efficient for the attachment to V. cholerae however is a most curious interrogation to resolve. Here in this experiment, laboratory microcosms were prepared with estuarine Mathbaria water, saline Paikgacca water and fresh water of lake. These three sets were with their twins among which one was with algal supplementation to feed the plankton and another was without any algae. After two months of rearing, it was found that, Mathbaria water and lake water supported the bacterial growth to enhance along with the nauplii production. On the other hand, among the three contaminated water sources (site-2, site-8 and site-11) in Mathbaria nauplii biomass showed highest peak during the infection period (March-May and September-November) in 2013 and 2014. In Chhatak also nauplii biomass showed highest peak at three contaminated ponds (site-1, site-10 and site-12) during the peak season in the studied year. During the current study nitrogen and phosphorus amount was higher in the contaminated ponds of Mathbaria when there was peak season of cholera. So, micronutrients as well as larval stages of crustacean plankton are dominant biological factor for causing cholera in these two regions of Bangladesh. This experiment will play as a role model to observe the intensity of the attachment of V. cholerae to copepods at their different stages as well as the interrelation of micronutrients in coastal region with the availability of cholera during peak season.

A commercial blend of macroalgae and microalgae promotes digestibility, growth performance, and muscle nutritional value of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) juveniles.

Algae can leverage aquaculture sustainability and improve the nutritional and functional value of fish for human consumption, but may pose challenges to carnivorous fish. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of a commercial blend of macroalgae (Ulva sp. and Gracilaria gracilis) and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oceanica) in a plant-based diet up to 6% (dry matter basis) on digestibility, gut integrity, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and muscle nutritional value of European seabass juveniles. Fish (11.3 ± 2.70 g) were fed with isoproteic, isolipidic, and isoenergetic diets: (i) a commercial-type plant-based diet with moderate fishmeal (125 g kg-1 DM basis) and without algae blend (control diet; Algae0), (ii) the control diet with 2% algae blend (Algae2), (iii) the control diet with 4% algae blend (Algae4), and (iv) the control diet with 6% algae blend (Algae6) for 12 weeks. The digestibility of experimental diets was assessed in a parallel study after 20 days. Results showed that most nutrients and energy apparent digestibility coefficients were promoted by algae blend supplementation, with a concomitant increase in lipid and energy retention efficiencies. Growth performance was significantly promoted by the algae blend, the final body weight of fish fed Algae6 being 70% higher than that of fish fed Algae0 after 12 weeks, reflecting up to 20% higher feed intake of algae-fed fish and the enhanced anterior intestinal absorption area (up to 45%). Whole-body and muscle lipid contents were increased with dietary algae supplementation levels by up to 1.79 and 1.74 folds in Algae 6 compared to Algae0, respectively. Even though the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids was reduced, the content of EPA and DHA in the muscle of algae-fed fish increased by nearly 43% compared to Algae0. The skin and filet color of juvenile European seabass were significantly affected by the dietary inclusion of the algae blend, but changes were small in the case of muscle, meeting the preference of consumers. Overall results highlight the beneficial effects of the commercial algae blend (Algaessence®) supplementation in plant-based diets for European seabass juveniles, but feeding trials up to commercial-size fish are needed to fully assess its potential.

On 210Po and 210Pb in algae diet supplements — The assessed radiation hazard of aquatic superfoods

Algae are believed to give health benefits. However, the studies showed they contain toxic elements, including radionuclides, and may affect human health. The study presents the values of activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb in the algae supplements available worldwide for adults. The activity concentrations (Bq/kg dw) ranged from 0.07 to 14.5 (210Po) and from 0.06 to 8.48 (210Pb). Also, the effective radiation doses and the cancer risk from 210Po and 210Pb decay ingested with analyzed algal supplements have been assessed. The highest values of annual effective doses have been estimated for 210Po in the recommended portion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) from China (59.7 μSv/year) and Diatomaceous earth from the USA (50.4 μSv/year). The cancer morbidity and mortality risk ranged from 10−4 to 10−8. The study indicated the activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb were low, and algae supplements for human consumption could be considered safe food.

Attenuating effect of Chlorella Vulgaris against acrylamide intoxication on thyroid gland

Oral administration of Acrylamide in our food produces adverse health effects through different vital systems. This study examined the effect of simultaneous oral supplementation of unicellular algae Chlorella vulgaris (CV) on thyroid gland disruption induced by intoxication with Acrylamide (ACR). Healthy male rats (n=60) distributed in six groups: -ve control, +ve control (CV 300 mg/kg), low dose Acrylamide (LACR, 5 mg/kg), high dose Acrylamide (HACR, 50 mg/kg), pre-administration of Chlorella Vulgaris with Acrylamide CV+ LACR (5mg/kg), and with Acrylamide CV+HACR (50 mg/kg). All groups received treatments orally for 30 days. ACR treated groups (LACR, HACR) demonstrated a significant elevation in oxidative stress biomarkers Malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), Nitric Oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines C-reactive protein (CRP), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). In relation to antioxidant biomarkers Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), GSH recorded significant reduction while GPx indicated significant elevation as compared to control and +ve control group at (p&lt;0.05). Thyroid gland biomarkers showed reduction in Thyroid-Stimulating hormone (TSH) in ACR groups whereas Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) presented a significant elevation.

Uses and benefits of algae as a nutritional supplement for honey bees

Honey bees are essential agricultural pollinators that are threatened by various interacting stressors, posing risks to beekeeping industries and human food security. Malnutrition is a major factor underlying managed bee colony losses that can be countered by feeding artificial diets, which aim to deliver essential macro- and micronutrients. Current bee nutritional supplements show room for improvement and require resources that compete with human food production. Algae and microalgae in particular have been gaining traction in the literature as alternative feed sources and nutritional supplements for livestock, including honey bees. Herein, we review the current literature and categorize the effects of algae supplementation on honey bee colony productivity as well as effects on individual bee physiology and health. In general, we conclude that algae biomass appears to be suitable for use as a bee feed additive and as a source of health-stimulating natural products. Additionally, we suggest research areas that could improve the development of sustainable algae-based nutrition supplements for honey bees.