Microalgae can do the work of soy
At the start of the year, we reported on a study by Finnish researchers who found similarities in the effect of including microalgae protein or soybean meal in dairy cow nutrition.
However, they said the palatability of the microalgae would need to be improved.
The objective of their study, which was conducted at the University of Helsinki research farm, was to compare the effects of different microalgae species, namely Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, and a mixture of C. vulgaris and Nannochloropsis gaditana, against soybean meal on dairy cow performance, milk fatty acid composition and nitrogen utilization.
The results showed the suitability of non-defatted and protein-rich microalgae for the nutrition of lactating dairy cows, said the Finnish team.
