Amino acids in the seaweeds as an alternate source of protein for animal feed

Abstract: 

The nutritional value of six tropical seaweeds (Sargassum wightii, Ulva lactuca, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Hypnea musciformis, Acanthophora spicifera and Gracilaria corticata) as complementary source of dietary proteins for human and animal nutrition based on amino acid profile was evaluated. All these species showed similar non-essential amino acid patterns in which aspartic and glutamic acids constituted together a large part of the amino acid fraction (25.2% to 29.5%). Among these, Hypnea musciformis possessed higher amino acid content and better amino acid profile and all of them were generally rich in phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine and tryptophan and deficient in methionine, cysteine, leucine and lysine. Except U. lactuca all others showed a balanced amino acid profile comparable to FAO reference pattern. Seaweeds being rich in minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as phycocolloids, partial substitution of costly protein sources in animal feeds with seaweed protein may improve feed quality while reducing the cost.

Author(s): 
Vinoj Kumar, V
Kaladharan, P
Keywords: 
Seaweeds
amino acid profile
animal nutrition
protein source
Article Source: 
Vinoj Kumar, V and Kaladharan, P (2007) Amino acids in the seaweeds as an alternate source of protein for animal feed. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India, 49 (1). pp. 35-40.
Category: 
Basic Biology
Uses of Seaweeds: Feed