Articles | Volume 68, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-223-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-223-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Review
| 
26 Mar 2025
Review |
| 26 Mar 2025
| 26 Mar 2025
Microalgae supplementation improves goat milk composition and fatty acid profile: a meta-analysis and meta-regression
Soumaya Boukrouh
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
Ihssane Mnaouer
African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
Poliana Mendes de Souza
African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
Jean-Luc Hornick
Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
Abdelaziz Nilahyane
African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
Bouchra El Amiri
African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
Animal Production Unit, Regional Center Agricultural Research of Settat, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat 10090, Morocco
Abdelaziz Hirich
African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
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Microalgae have been explored as protein supplements for dairy cows, but results vary. This study assessed their effects using meta-analysis, considering factors like species, inclusion level, and breed. Microalgae reduced dry matter intake but improved fiber digestibility. Milk fat decreased, yet C18:2 c9t11 and C22:6 n-3 increased. Schizochytrium sp. boosted C22:6 n-3, and Holstein–Friesian cows reduced saturated fatty acids, supporting microalgae as a sustainable feed supplement.
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This study assessed the effects of incorporating underutilized bitter vetch and sorghum grains on the performance of local goats. While growth parameters were unaffected, sorghum grains lowered carcass mesenteric fat and increased back lightness. Regarding meat quality, sorghum decreased ash, C18:2 n-6, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while bitter vetch decreased protein but increased C18:3 n-3. Bitter vetch and sorghum grains can be incorporated into fattening diets for goat kids.
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Microalgae have been explored as protein supplements for dairy cows, but results vary. This study assessed their effects using meta-analysis, considering factors like species, inclusion level, and breed. Microalgae reduced dry matter intake but improved fiber digestibility. Milk fat decreased, yet C18:2 c9t11 and C22:6 n-3 increased. Schizochytrium sp. boosted C22:6 n-3, and Holstein–Friesian cows reduced saturated fatty acids, supporting microalgae as a sustainable feed supplement.
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This study assessed the effects of incorporating underutilized bitter vetch and sorghum grains on the performance of local goats. While growth parameters were unaffected, sorghum grains lowered carcass mesenteric fat and increased back lightness. Regarding meat quality, sorghum decreased ash, C18:2 n-6, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while bitter vetch decreased protein but increased C18:3 n-3. Bitter vetch and sorghum grains can be incorporated into fattening diets for goat kids.
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The potential of olive leaves was investigated by comparing two rates of dietary incorporations, 3 % and 6 %, of olive leaves into the three commercial feeds corresponding to the three growth phases, during 15 weeks of rearing. This work highlights the interest of using the locally available ingredients in order to reduce the production costs of turkey meat in Algeria and, above all, to reduce the dependence of the poultry industry on imports in general.
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Zhu, H., Wang, X., Zhang, W., Zhang, Y., Zhang, S., Pang, X., Lu, J., and Lv, J.: Dietary Schizochytrium Microalgae Affect the Fatty Acid Profile of Goat Milk: Quantification of Docosahex aenoic Acid (DHA) and Its Distribution at Sn-2 Position, Foods, 11, 2087, https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11142087, 2022.
Short summary
This study explored the benefits of adding microalgae to goat diets. Our analysis, based on data from multiple studies, demonstrated that microalgae enrich goat milk by increasing its protein, fat, and beneficial fatty acid contents. Besides offering healthier dairy products for consumers, our meta-analysis confirms that microalgae can be a sustainable and eco-friendly supplement to traditional feeds.
This study explored the benefits of adding microalgae to goat diets. Our analysis, based on data...
