Dual potential of microalgae as a sustainable biofuel feedstock and animal feed

Abstract

The rise in global population has led to explorations of alternative sources of energy and food. Because corn and soybean are staple food crops for humans, their common use as the main source of dietary energy and protein for food-producing animals directly competes with their allocation for human consumption. Alternatively, de-fatted marine microalgal biomass generated from the potential biofuel production may be a viable replacement of corn and soybean meal due to their high levels of protein, relatively well-balanced amino acid profiles, and rich contents of minerals and vitamins, along with unique bioactive compounds. Although the full-fatted (intact) microalgae represent the main source of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids including docohexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the de-fatted microalgal biomass may still contain good amounts of these components for enriching DHA/EPA in eggs, meats, and milk. This review is written to highlight the necessity and potential of using the de-fatted microalgal biomass as a new generation of animal feed in helping address the global energy, food, and environmental issues. Nutritional feasibility and limitation of the biomass as the new feed ingredient for simple-stomached species are elaborated. Potential applications of the biomass for generating value-added animal products are also explored.

Nordic Alternative Protein Potentials

“…In general, micro-algae are high in CP (Table 3), but they are also high in lipids and carbohydrates (mainly non-starch polysaccharides). In addition, they contain important vitamins (Atkinson, 2013;Holman & Malau-Aduli, 2013;Lum et al, 2013). The lipid fraction in micro-algae is rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (Atkinson, 2013;Lum et al, 2013).…”

“…In addition, they contain important vitamins (Atkinson, 2013;Holman & Malau-Aduli, 2013;Lum et al, 2013). The lipid fraction in micro-algae is rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (Atkinson, 2013;Lum et al, 2013). Present knowledge indicates that algal biomass show promising qualities and potential as novel source of protein for animals, aquatic organisms and humans Atkinson, 2013;Holman & Malau-Aduli, 2013;Lum et al, 2013).…”

FUNCTIONAL EGG PRODUCTION. I. THE ROLE OF ω-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (review)

“…In aquaculture, it is possible to increase the FA deposition, including targeted ones, by controlling the composition of the growth media and conditions [111]. Water plants are a valuable source of protein for farm animals [112]. In addition, significant quantities of oily substances remained as a by-product after PUFAs extraction from algae could be used in production of diesel biofuels [113].…”

Opportunities to enhance alternative sources of long-chainn-3 fatty acids within the diet

“…A potentially cost-effective approach is to use SCO in diets during the final 6-12 weeks of fish growth. A reduction of production costs of SCO is awaited because of the increasing interest in the industrial biofuels production from microalgae (35) .…”