By Andi Anderson
The ever-growing marine microalgae industry is seeking sustainable upcycling options for its by-products, and cattle feed seems like a promising solution. Condensed algae residue solubles (CARS) hold potential as a new nutritional source for cattle, but its effectiveness needs careful evaluation.
This study examined the impact of CARS on feedlot performance and digestibility in cattle. Here's what we found:
Promising potential: Adding CARS at 2.5% of the diet led to a boost in carcass weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency. This suggests CARS can be a beneficial dietary component at moderate levels.
Diminishing returns: When CARS inclusion increased to 5% of the diet, performance declined. This indicates potential limitations or negative effects at higher CARS levels.
Further research needed: While the study shows promise, more research is necessary to fully understand the optimal inclusion level of CARS, its long-term effects on cattle health and meat quality, and its digestibility and fatty acid flow within the animal.
This study suggests that CARS has potential as a sustainable feed ingredient for cattle, but cautious optimization and further research are crucial to maximize its benefits and avoid potential drawbacks.
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: Ohio, Livestock