Summary
This meta-analysis quantitatively synthesised evidence from controlled trials evaluating microalgae as a feed additive for lambs, examining effects on production efficiency and meat nutritional quality. The authors aggregated data on growth performance, carcass and meat quality traits, and lipid composition to determine whether microalgae supplementation produces consistent, measurable improvements across these outcomes. The synthesis provides evidence-grounded guidance on the potential role and efficacy of microalgae in small ruminant production systems.
Regional applicability
Findings may be relevant to UK sheep producers seeking alternative feed supplements to improve meat nutritional profile and production efficiency, particularly if microalgae sources are locally available or cost-competitive. However, applicability depends on the specific microalgae species tested, dosage ranges, and whether trials were conducted under UK climatic and dietary baseline conditions.
Key measures
Average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, meat quality attributes, total lipid content, fatty acid composition (SFA, MUFA, PUFA), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Outcomes reported
The study synthesised quantitative data from peer-reviewed trials on lamb growth performance metrics (weight gain, feed conversion efficiency), meat quality parameters (colour, tenderness, water-holding capacity), and fatty acid profiles (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids). The meta-analysis aggregated effect sizes across studies to assess the consistency and magnitude of microalgae supplementation effects on production and meat composition traits.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.