Spain conducts aquafeed research on microalgae

Researchers from Spain's Andalusian Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training Institute (IFAPA) are studying the production of microalgae biomass to obtain a maximum quality feed for use in marine aquaculture.

The researchers are trying to demonstrate that microalgae have specific nutritional properties that give special quality characteristics to aquaculture products.

In addition, IFAPA scientists will assess the possibilities that microalgae biomass production has in reducing the dependency that exists on raw materials of seafood origin in marine fish feed.

The researchers were able to simultaneously develop systems for the concentration, processing and conservation of biomass, and validate its scientific-technological employment in aquaculture.

They also implemented a novel system of artificial lighting that reduces electrical consumption and triples the energy efficiency of the microalgae farming process under controlled conditions.

The research lines carried out by the IFAPA team with marine microalgae are related to antioxidant compound production, the identification of specific micronutrients related to functional feed, and the systems to maximise marine lipid production.