Summary
This critical narrative review evaluates the use of microalgal feeds to increase long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in beef cattle, identifying substantial biological constraints (ruminal biohydrogenation, variable absorption) and inconsistent outcomes across studies. Whilst candidate gene associations (FASN, SCD, FADS2, FADS3) offer theoretical basis for genomic selection, direct evidence that genetic markers can predict individual animal responses to microalgal supplementation remains sparse. The authors conclude that integration of algal nutrition, rumen-protective technologies, repeated phenotyping, genomics and metabolomics shows promise but is not yet established for commercial application.
Regional applicability
The review draws on international evidence and is not geography-specific. Findings are applicable to United Kingdom beef production, particularly feedlot systems seeking to enhance nutritional content for consumer markets; however, UK-specific data on cost-benefit, regulatory acceptance of microalgal claims, and genomic prediction in native or crossbred cattle would strengthen local applicability.
Key measures
Muscle EPA, DHA and total LC n-3 PUFA content; intramuscular fat percentage and composition; fatty acid biohydrogenation; meat colour, flavour and oxidative stability; allelic variants in FASN, SCD, FABP4, FADS2, FADS3 and THRSP genes
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on microalgal supplementation to enhance long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in beef muscle, and explores the role of SNP markers in candidate genes affecting intramuscular fat composition and fatty acid deposition. It identifies barriers to consistent enrichment, including ruminal biohydrogenation, lipid oxidation risk, and limited evidence that genomic selection modifies supplementation response.
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