Twenty-four samples of algae meal were collected during both winter and summer months from sewage ponds at different locations. The samples were assayed for protein, lipid, fiber, ash, phosphorus, calcium, aluminum, xanthophyll, and gross energy. The assayed composition was not significantly affected either by season or site of production. Eight algae samples were selected on the basis of chemical analyses. Their metabolizable energy content and nitrogen absorption were evaluated by a short-term experiment with young chicks fed glucose-containing diets labeled with 144Ce. Large variations were found in metabolizable energy values (from 900 to 2782 kcal/kg) and percentages of nitrogen absorption (from 41.7 to 80.4%). The nutritional value of two algae samples was further assessed in the broiler trial in which computer-formulated diets containing 5 and 10% algae meal were compared to a control diet containing no algae. These two algae meal samples, at both of the concentrations tested, were found to be suitable protein supplements in broiler diets and had no adverse effect on growth, feed efficiency, or carcass fat.
Twenty-four samples of algae meal were collected during both winter and summer months from sewage ponds at different locations. The samples were assayed for protein, lipid, fiber, ash, phosphorus, calcium, aluminum, xanthophyll, and gross energy. The assayed composition was not significantly affected either by season or site of production. Eight algae samples were selected on the basis of chemical analyses. Their metabolizable energy content and nitrogen absorption were evaluated by a short-term experiment with young chicks fed glucose-containing diets labeled with 144Ce. Large variations were found in metabolizable energy values (from 900 to 2782 kcal/kg) and percentages of nitrogen absorption (from 41.7 to 80.4%). The nutritional value of two algae samples was further assessed in the broiler trial in which computer-formulated diets containing 5 and 10% algae meal were compared to a control diet containing no algae. These two algae meal samples, at both of the concentrations tested, were found to be suitable protein supplements in broiler diets and had no adverse effect on growth, feed efficiency, or carcass fat.