Utilization of astaxanthin from microalgae and carotenoid rich algal biomass as a feed supplement in aquaculture and poultry industry: An overview

• Published in: Journal of applied phycology 2023-02, Vol.35 (1), p.145-171
• Main Authors: Ritu, Jinnath Rehana, Ambati, Ranga Rao, Ravishankar, Gokare A., Shahjahan, Md, Khan, Saleha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae; Antioxidant properties; Antioxidants; Aquaculture; Aquatic microorganisms; Aquatic organisms; Aquatic plants; Astaxanthin; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Carotenoids; Chlorella; Colour; Ecology; Eggs; Feed supplements; Fish; Fish diets; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Immunity; Immunology; Life Sciences; Microalgae; Oxidants; Oxidizing agents; Phytoplankton; Pigmentation; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Polyculture (aquaculture); Poultry; Reproduction; Survivability; Survival
• ISSN: 0921-8971; 1573-5176
• DOI: 10.1007/s10811-022-02817-9

Astaxanthin is one of the most effective and potent anti-oxidants astaxanthin is also a natural source for pigmentation in several aquatic organisms. Its utility to impart bright red coloration in farmed aquaculture animals is well recognized. In addition, astaxanthin has potential benefits to aquaculture species such as increasing their growth, survivability, improving flesh quality, and boosting reproductive performance and egg quality. Moreover, among of the many immunopotentiators, astaxanthin is more effective and an environmentally-friendly natural source mostly utilized in different fish diets for improving their immunological, hematological, and antioxidant properties. The demand for natural astaxanthin is also increasing in the poultry industries because of its potential in enhancing growth, immunity and pigmentation as well as the quality of both meat and egg. The green alga, Haematococcus pluvialis has received much attention for the production of astaxanthin on an industrial scale. Furthermore, Monoraphidium is another green alga that has potential for astaxanthin production. Furthermore, Chlorella zofingiensis , Chlorococcum spp., Scenedesmus spp., Chlamydomonas nivalis , Nannochloropsis spp., Chlamydocapsa spp., Chlorella vulgaris , Eremosphaera viridis , Neochloris wimmeri and Coelastrella striolata are also possible sources of astaxanthin. This review summarizes the potential microalgal sources of astaxanthin as well as downstream processing and the utilization of astaxanthin in the aquaculture and poultry industries.