Pilot animal feeding experiments have been completed with promising results. Applications for two major federal grants have been submitted. An industrial grant is approved.
impact statement issue
Algae can be an excellent alternative feed protein supplement. Despite compositional variations, many algae species contain 45 to 55 percent protein (up to 71 percent on dry matter basis). The amino acid composition profile and the nutritional quality of the algae proteins are only slightly inferior to the high-quality standards such as egg, casein, and soybean. Although a limited number of animal experiments have been conducted to determine the potential of algae in replacing conventional feed protein supplements, there has been no systematic nutritional assessment of such proteins.
impact statement response
Thus, we are in collaboration with a major biofuel producer to characterize chemical compositions and nutritional values of microalgal protein products generated from different strains/species and processing procedures. We will determine the feeding values of microalgal proteins in replacing soybean meal to support meat and egg production by different types of poultry and swine under research and commercial conditions. In the long run, we will develop value-added microalgal protein supplements by optimizing their nutrient composition and adding extrinsic enzymes.
impact statement summary
Feed accounts for 75 percent of the total expense of animal production. As the second most expensive ingredient in animal diets, protein supplement represents 25 to 30 percent of the total feed cost. The most commonly used feed protein supplement is soybean meal, which is added at 20 to 30 percent in diets for swine and poultry. In the United States, approximately 6 million metric tons of soybean meal is used only for pig feeding per year. With an increasing demand for human consumption of high-quality soy protein due to world population expansion, the continuous use of soybean meal as the major feed protein supplement will certainly become more expensive and less steady.
