PLANT EXTRACTS ▶▶▶
Feed of the future
Microalgae-derived astaxanthin meets growing demand for feed supplements and sustainability concerns alike.
BY MARYANNE MBURU, SENIOR KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER, ASTAREAL D
Microalgae could be one op- tion for feed producers look- ing to make more efficient use of natural resources.
riven by consumer interest in environmental health, traceability, animal welfare and a cleaner lifestyle, sustainability is one of today’s most im- portant challenges for industries globally. As a re-
sult of these consumer expectations, plant-based sourcing is flourishing and finding its way into the feed sector. When it comes to plant-based alternatives to traditional ingredi- ents, algae are a very promising candidate. Almost at the bottom of the marine food chain, microalgae are a renewa- ble source of protein and they also offer other valuable compounds for human and animal nutrition, including omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene and astaxanthin. The lat- ter is a powerful antioxidant and natural carotenoid derived from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which is found in waters around the world and it provides environmental as well as health benefits.
Saving natural resources Microalgae could be one option for feed producers looking to make more efficient use of natural resources. One of the big- gest challenges we will face in the future is the question of
how to sustainably feed the world’s growing population with limited resources. According to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects predictions, there will be 9.7 billion people living on our planet by 2050, which means that de- mand for animal protein will continue to rise. But growth in animal production places tremendous demands on natural resources and drives greenhouse gas emissions up. Agricul- ture must therefore become more efficient, use less land, and reduce its environmental footprint. Because they need signifi- cantly less energy, space and nutrients to be kept alive, and do not require the use of pesticides or protection chemicals, algae are more sustainable than conventional forage crops and have limited environmental impact.
Sustainable animal production Alongside their environmental benefits, algae-derived feed ingredients such as astaxanthin can support animal health and thus improve the livestock value chain. For farmers, ob- taining the highest possible yield from cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry and other animals is key. And the best way to achieve this is by nourishing and safeguarding their health. Replacing livestock because of illness has significant economic and environmental costs. But, with its antioxidant activity, astaxanthin provides scientifically proven benefits for animal
22 ▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 29, No. 8, 2021
PHOTO:ASTAREAL
PHOTO: PIXABAY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
