Seaweeds, Intact and Processed, as a Valuable Component of Poultry Feeds

Poultry production is an important area of the agricultural economy. Nowadays, there is an interest in novel sources of feed additives that will improve production performance and poultry health. As an easily available and renewable biomass rich in biologically active compounds, seaweeds can meet th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Izabela Michalak, Khalid Mahrose
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
Series:Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/8/8/620
Description
Summary:Poultry production is an important area of the agricultural economy. Nowadays, there is an interest in novel sources of feed additives that will improve production performance and poultry health. As an easily available and renewable biomass rich in biologically active compounds, seaweeds can meet this demand. Different forms of seaweeds–seaweed powder from naturally occurring biomass, cultivated or waste biomass, extracted compounds, post-extraction residues or liquid extracts–may be used in poultry feeding. Inclusion of this unconventional material in the poultry nutrition can positively influence the poultry performance along with its health and enrich poultry products with active compounds, such as micro- and macroelements, polyunsaturated fatty acids and pigments. Seaweeds also reduce lipids and cholesterol in eggs. Moreover, due to their unique properties, they can serve as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. This review presents the latest developments in the use of seaweeds in poultry nutrition, as well as its limitations.
ISSN:2077-1312