P.PSH.2105 - Potential of microalgal and brewers spent grain as a feed supplement

Summary

The project sought to develop a novel ruminant feed using Brewers Spent Grain (BSG) and microalgae with the potential to reduce emissions or improve performance of livestock systems. By leveraging the abundant waste from breweries, this initiative supported a circular bioeconomy, low cost inputs for producers and alternate revenue streams for beverage makers.

Objectives

The objective of this project was to identify a nutritious and bioactive feed supplement with potential for national-scale implementation and significant benefits. These benefits include reducing methane emissions, improving animal health and nutrition, potentially enhancing meat quality.

Key findings

• The initial screening of 26 algal species did not identify a potent methane reducer (≥ 20%). 
• Algae inclusion at ≥ 5% affected various fermentability parameters.
  Relationships between livestock producers and brewers were advanced through this innovation partnership.

Benefits to industry

This project highlighted the synergistic relationships between major breweries and livestock farmers, and a vision to reduce the carbon footprint of both enterprises through feed additive innovation.

Future research

Improvements in algal screening technologies since this project concluded could enable rapid assessment of more algal strains (both single and mixed species; wild vs mutant species), fast tracking discovery of potentially valuable solutions for further research.