A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of inclusion of microalgae in dairy cows' diets on nutrient digestibility, fermentation parameters, blood metabolites, milk production, and fatty acid profiles

Boukrouh, Soumaya; Karouach, Fadoua; El Aayadi, Soufiane; El Amiri, Bouchra; Hornick, Jean-Luc; Nilahyane, Abdelaziz; Hirich, Abdelaziz

doi:10.5194/aab-69-101-2026

Articles | Volume 69, issue 1

https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-101-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-101-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 69, issue 1

Review

|

10 Feb 2026

Review |

| 10 Feb 2026

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of inclusion of microalgae in dairy cows' diets on nutrient digestibility, fermentation parameters, blood metabolites, milk production, and fatty acid profiles

Soumaya Boukrouh, Fadoua Karouach, Soufiane El Aayadi, Bouchra El Amiri, Jean-Luc Hornick, Abdelaziz Nilahyane, and Abdelaziz Hirich

Metrics will be available soon.

Latest update: 10 Feb 2026

Short summary

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.