New challenges for efficient usage of Sargassum fusiforme for ruminant production

Sargassum fusiforme, which is a type of brown algae, can provide fiber and minerals to ruminant diets. In this study, dried S. fusiforme was tested in vitro at four different doses 1, 3, 5, and 10% of the total ration for its effect on ruminal fermentation characteristics, and gas profiles when incubated for 72 h. At a level of 1 and 10%, S. fusiforme supplementation augmented total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations compared to that with 0% supplementation. In addition, total gas, methane, and carbon dioxide emissions significantly decreased at 3 and 24 h of incubation at this dose. An in situ trial was performed for 72 h with S. fusiforme to evaluate it as a potential feed ingredient by comparing its degradation parameters with timothy hay (Phleum pretense). ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy profiling was used to identify and quantify metabolites of S. fusiforme. Mannitol, guanidoacetate and ethylene glycol were largely accumulated in S. fusiforme. Moreover, nutritious minerals for feed ingredients were present in S. fusiforme. Whereas a high concentration of arsenic was found in S. fusiforme, it was within the allowable limit for ruminants. Our results suggest that S. fusiforme could represent an alternative, renewable feed ingredient for ruminant diets, with nutritional, as well as environmental, benefits.