Brown algae to broiler chickens

The bioactive substances in brown algae most widely studied are the fibres laminarin, fucoidan and alginate. Because algae have developed in a different way than plants on land, it is believed that they have other effects than plant fibre when they are used as a feed additive. Previous studies using algae or algal products as feed additive in diets to mainly pigs have shown prebiotic, immune stimulating and antibacterial properties, which makes it interesting to evaluate also in diets to broiler chickens. However, as for most feed additives the mechanisms behind the observed beneficial effects are largely unknown.

Within the project AquaAgriKelp the conditions for a large-scale sustainable cultivation of the brown algae Saccharina latissima at the Swedish west coast are evaluated. An important overall aim of the AquaAgri Kelp project is to use the full potential of algae as biomass in a future bio based society. The aim of this project is to evaluate these algae as a feed additive in broiler chicken production with focus on the effects of their bioactive substances.

The project starts with analyses and characterization of the bioactive substances in algae harvested at different time points and extraction of algal products to get higher concentrations of the bioactive substances. The project will then continue with an in vitro study where the fermentation of algae and the effects on gut microbiota are evaluated. The most promising algal product will be selected and used in future feeding experiments. We will study the possibility to improve transfer of antibodies and important nutrients from the hen to the egg, the ability of the algae to stimulate development of the digestive tract and immune response in young chickens as well as the ability to decrease the colonization of Campylobacter in broilers.

The expected outcome of this project is to get an increased understanding and thereby optimized utilization of algal products as feed additives which could lead to both improved production efficiency and increased food security.

Project manager:

Emma Ivarson (Department of Animal Nutrition and Management)

Project group:

Helena Wall (Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, SLU), Roger Andersson (Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU), Patrik Ellström (Department of Department of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University), Eva Wattrang (National Veterinary Institute ), Henrik Pavia, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg.