Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A023
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A023 (2022)
Cladophora glomerata as a potential nutrient source in animal nutrition
Monika Nutautaitė1*, Vilma Vilienė1, Asta Racevičiūtė-Stupelienė1; Saulius Bliznikas1, Jūratė Karosienė2, Judita Koreivienė2
1 Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
2 Laboratory of Algology and Microbial Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
* Corresponding author: monika.nutautaite@lsmuni.lt
Abstract
Macroalgae are a natural resource derived from water bodies that is widely described due to their multiple benefits and ability to produce biomass. Potentially beneficial traits of the macroalgae Cladophora glomerata, especially nutrients, are important when looking for animal feed alternatives to traditional ones to expand a more sustainable food supply chain. Aim: to analyse freshwater C. glomerata biomass essential nutrients by determining macro, trace elements, chemical composition, and amino acid profile. Samples collection and preparation: C. glomerata biomass was manually harvested in September 2021 from the Lithuanian river Šventoji. After collection, the biomass was carefully washed several times, and all debris was removed. For further analysis, biomass samples (n=3) were grinded and dried at 105°C. Methods: individual element analysis was performed following the Commission Directives and LST EN ISO standards; crude protein (CP) was determined by the Kjeldahl method, crude fat (CF) by the Soxhlet extraction method, crude ash (CA) by incineration in a muffle furnace, crude fibre (CFB) as the residue after sequential treatment; the separate amino acid (AA) analysis was performed by the HPLC system. Results: a recent study showed that macronutrients (N>Ca>K>P>Mg), trace elements (Zn>Cu), and heavy metals (Ni>Cr>As>Pb>Cd>Hg) have not exceeded permissible levels. Chemical analysis of the C. glomerata, showed that the biomass CP content was 22.36% dry weed (DW), the CF 2.35% DW, the CFB 20.8% DW, and the CA 25.45% DW. The determination of the 16 essential AA profile was carried out to further assess the potential of freshwater macroalgal biomass. The most common AA observed in the C. glomerata profile was glutamic acid (24.86 g/kg DW), followed by aspartic acid (19.33 g/kg DW), and leucine (14.56 g/kg DW). The concentration of methionine, one of the most important AAs in the animal’s diet, reached 3.32% DW. The total amount of amino acids in the biomass was 175.83 g/kg DW. Conclusions: Freshwater C. glomerata biomass, based on its chemical composition, represents an important renewable source for long-term commercial interest. Biomass is rich in macro and trace elements and is low in heavy metals. Furthermore, C. glomerata may serve as a source of protein and essential amino acids, implying that it is not only a safe, but also a beneficial and more sustainable raw material in animal feed.
How to cite
M. Nutautaitė, V. Vilienė, A. Racevičiūtė-Stupelienė, S. Bliznikas, J. Karosienė, J. Koreivienė, 2022. Cladophora glomerata as a potential nutrient source in animal nutrition. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/A023