MARKET REPORT 80 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2025 shelf life compared to traditional dried feed products. While drying and encapsulation technologies can help, they increase overall cost and complexity. This limits transportability and increases the need for protective technologies. 7. Competition with Traditional Feed Ingredients Algae-based feeds are in fierce competition with established feed ingredients such as soybean meal, corn, and fish meal. These traditional options are widely available, cost-effective, and supported by extensive research. Strong economic incentives and proven performance benefits are required to convince farmers and producers to switch to algae-based alternatives. ALGAE-BASED FEED MARKET BY ANIMAL SPECIES The use of algae as a sustainable and nutritious feed ingredient is increasingly widespread across various animal species. While usage levels vary depending on nutritional requirements, production systems, and economic factors, the overall trend indicates growing interest in the poultry, ruminant, swine, aquaculture, and pet food sectors. Aquaculture is currently the largest consumer of algae-based animal feed, i.e., the market leader. The main reason for this is the need for sustainable alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil in the feeding of farmed fish and shrimp. Algae are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), which are crucial for fish health and meat quality; they enhance growth performance, immunity, and survival rates; and they reduce dependence on overfished marine resources. With the global expansion of aquaculture, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, demand for microalgae-based feeds is expected to grow rapidly. Poultry farmers are increasingly using algae as functional feed additives or partial protein substitutes, but this use is still in its early stages compared to aquaculture. Improving egg yolk colour (natural pigmentation derived from carotenoids), enhancing immunity, reducing oxidative stress, improving feed conversion rates, and reducing antibiotic use are among the benefits of using algae in poultry feed. The market for poultry is expected to expand, particularly in Europe and North America, in line with the increase in demand for organic and premium eggs. Ruminant feeds are still a limited area for algae-based feeds due to the complex digestive systems of animals and their roughage-based feeding habits. However, various studies are ongoing on the use of algae in ruminant nutrition for specific purposes. For example, reducing enteric methane emissions (using red algae such as Asparagopsis taxiformis) is one such specific purpose. Studies indicate that adding red seaweed (Asparagopsis) to cattle feed can significantly reduce enteric methane emissions and support climate-friendly livestock farming practices. Additionally, algae can be used to improve milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cows (e.g., omega-3 enrichment) or as mineral supplements (rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium). In pig nutrition, algae are being studied as both a protein source and a gut health enhancer, particularly for piglets and weaning diets. Their richness in amino acids and vitamins, their ability to improve gut microbiota, reduce stress after weaning, and decrease the need for antibiotic growth promoters are among the reasons why algae are preferred in pig feed. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids derived from algae contribute to better meat quality and nutritional value, making pork from algae-fed pigs a premium product in some markets. In the niche but high-value segment of pet food, producers have begun using algae, particularly in premium and plant-based formulations, due to their functional and marketing appeal. Plant-based omega-3, antioxidants, and protein sources, hypoallergenic alternatives for sensitive pets, and support for skin, fur, and cognitive health are factors supporting the use of algae in pet food.
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