What is MICOALGA-FEED?
MICOALGA-FEED is a supra-autonomous Operational Group that develops an innovation project whose aim is to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics in aviculture through natural feed. The project will develop new feed formulations that, supplemented with fungi and microalgae, will have an inhibitor and antimicrobial effect, reinforcing local immunity and benefiting saprophytic intestinal flora. With a budget of €524,847.66, the initiative is 80% cofounded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union and 20% by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. (MAPA).
MICOALGA-FEED borns based on WHO initiative One Health, focused on enhancing animal welfare in aviculture. In this type of livestock farming, the most common contagion ways are digestive and inhalational due to the intestinal barrier breakdown. This allows the colonization of pathogen microorganisms and subsequent diseases, which may need treatment. Nevertheless, for some time on, alternatives to their use are under investigation. One of them is the development of food additives that, added to feed or water, strengthen local immunity.
The main objective of the MICOALGA-FEED innovation project is to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics in aviculture. To do so, new feed formulas supplemented with fungi and microalgae will be developed to reinforce local immunity and to strengthen the poultry immune system.
Why fungi and microalgae?
Fungi
Some fungi have a great antioxidant capacity, enhance animal welfare and increase production yield.
Microalgae
Microalgae biomass executes beneficial biochemical and physiological functions such as growth promotion, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions.
