Seaweeds and their products for the health of Livestock

Abstract

There are about 1200 chlorophytes or green algal, 1750 phaeophytes or brown algal and 6000 rhodophytes or red algal species. These macroalgal species or more popularly called seaweeds, contain a plethora of secondary metabolites that play a role in a variety of metabolic processes in plants, animals, and humans. Seaweeds possess several bioactive molecules that are studied for their prebiotic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Seaweed benefits are related to their content of sulfated polysaccharides, phlorotannins, di-terpenes, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Modern agricultural and farming practices depend heavily on chemicals to control pests such as a variety of parasitic organisms either internal or external in animal farming and crop production. Unique biochemical compounds from algae have been applied as potential biocides against these parasitic organisms. Over the last decades, several chemical biocides have become less effective and many chemicals currently used have a negative environmental impact, undesirable side effects to humans and other non-target organisms. Marine algae have a demonstrated potential to act as environmentally friendly biocides with no negative side effects and could fulfill the need of alternative and safe supplements to increase health and welfare in livestock. This chapter reviews the effects of seaweeds and seaweed extracts in farmed animals as prebiotics, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects, promoting intestinal well-being and improving digestibility.