Purdue study warns of risks in using algae for beef cattle

USA – A recent Purdue University study warns that while algae can boost growth in beef cattle, it may also negatively impact reproductive success, highlighting the need for caution as the industry explores sustainable feed alternatives.

The study, led by Dr Jon Schoonmaker and his research team, revealed that beef heifers fed algae showed improved growth and larger calf sizes but experienced reduced conception rates compared to those on algae-free diets.

Purdue’s initial goal was to investigate algae’s ability to boost growth and reproductive outcomes, following promising results in dairy cattle studies. 

Dairy cows, generally leaner and have different nutritional requirements, appeared to respond positively to algae, showing improvements in growth and reproduction. 

“We expected algae to have similar benefits for beef cattle, particularly for reproductive health, but the findings were quite surprising,” said Dr. Schoonmaker. 

According to the study, beef cattle may not respond to algae’s high-fat content like dairy cows. The physiological differences between the two types of cattle might mean that beef cows are more prone to the reproductive challenges linked to algae. 

Dairy cows seem to absorb the high omega-3 fatty acids in algae more effectively, possibly contributing to reproductive gains, while in beef cows, these fatty acids may disrupt hormonal balance, impacting reproductive cycles and delaying ovulation, which is essential for optimal fertility.

Algae’s diverse properties make it a complex feed ingredient. The study noted that algae’s high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids might alter hormone levels in beef heifers, influencing reproductive functions. 

In addition, the research suggested that algae-fed cows could experience changes in ovarian cell quality, which could further hinder conception rates.

“Algae has undeniable growth benefits, but our results show it may compromise fertility,” Schoonmaker stated, advising caution for breeders who may be tempted to use algae as a feed supplement, particularly during the breeding season. 

Until further research provides a clearer understanding of its reproductive impact, the Purdue team recommends caution when using algae supplementation in cattle breeding.

Algae-based animal feed part of a broader trend

Rising input costs and the restriction of certain chemical additives in animal nutrition have driven interest in sustainable alternatives, with algae offering a compelling option due to its rapid growth rate and minimal land and water requirements. 

Algae, particularly marine algae, produce biomass quickly, making it an environmentally friendly, renewable resource. 

Microalgae like spirulina and chlorella are already recognised for their nutritional benefits, while less-explored brown algae, due to their rich bioactive content, hold promising applications in animal feed.

Organisations like the Algae Biomass Organization and the Seaweed Coalition are leading initiatives to incorporate algae into livestock and aquaculture feed, partnering with industry and research institutions to emphasise nutritional and environmental benefits.

The expanding body of research underscores algae’s growing significance in sustainable animal nutrition practices.

Despite its advantages, integrating algae into animal feed on a large scale remains challenging. The high cost of algae relative to conventional feed ingredients and the need for strain optimisation and production scaling are significant hurdles. 

Companies and researchers alike are working to overcome these obstacles by advancing precision technologies for algae feed production, including micro-encapsulation, which enhances the stability and bioavailability of algae’s beneficial compounds.

These innovations are crucial to unlocking algae’s full potential as a sustainable feed option, especially as the industry seeks to balance the algae’s benefits for animal growth with the potential reproductive risks highlighted by the Purdue study.

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