Digestive Constraints of <i>Arthrospira platensis</i> in Poultry and Swine Feeding

Microalgae have emerged as novel sources for monogastric animals’ diets since they are rich in many nutrients, including proteins. <i>Arthrospira platensis</i> is particularly rich in proteins (up to 76% of dry matter), lipids, minerals and pigments. However, its rigid peptidoglycan cell...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maria P. Spínola, Mónica M. Costa, José A. M. Prates
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-09-01
Series:Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/19/2984
Description
Summary:Microalgae have emerged as novel sources for monogastric animals’ diets since they are rich in many nutrients, including proteins. <i>Arthrospira platensis</i> is particularly rich in proteins (up to 76% of dry matter), lipids, minerals and pigments. However, its rigid peptidoglycan cell wall interferes with the digestibility, bio-accessibility and bioavailability of nutrients for monogastric animals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the digestibility, bio-accessibility, bioavailability and protein quality of nutrients from <i>A. platensis</i> for poultry and swine feeding, searching all the studies available in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar in June 2022 concerning this subject. Overall, digestibility values of <i>A. platensis</i> proteins or amino acids varying from 66.1 to 68.7% for poultry (microalgae at 1% feed) and from 75.4 to 80.6% for swine (10% feed) have been reported. Therefore, the extraction of microalgae components using mechanical or non-mechanical pre-treatments is required to promote cell disruption and improve digestibility and bio-accessibility. Although <i>A. platensis</i> is a promising feedstuff to support future needs, it is important to perform more investigation concerning digestibility, dietary inclusion level and possible treatments to disrupt microalga cell walls and increase bioavailability of nutrients.
ISSN:2304-8158