A recent paper in Marine Drugs has examined the possible applications and commercialisation of microalgae in the feed industry. Though the authors agree that additional research is required before microalgaes can be a viable feed component for livestock, the underlying potential of the organisms is enormous.

Primary research into microalgae demonstrate its positive outcomes on health. Microalgae supplementation is associated with improved antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antiviral effects. It has also been associated with beneficial outcomes for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Despite these benefits, scale-up is a significant challenge and commercial competitiveness has been difficult to achieve. Microalgaes do not have a long shelf life and are difficult to culture, hampering their commercial viability. However, trials from the dairy industry and aquaculture have yielded promising results. Despite the underlying potential in formulation of functional food/feed, extensive research and development efforts are needed before microalgae becomes a commercial reality in food and feed formulation.

You can read the full review here.