WhatIsTheNews.press

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) is leading a project called the Novel Seaweed Chicken Feed Feasibility (NSCFF) project, in collaboration with Seaweed Generation, the University of West London, the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL), and Microgrow Systems Ltd. This project aims to explore the viability of using a protein-rich red seaweed called dulse as a sustainable substitute for soybean meal in chicken feed in the UK. The project has been awarded GBP500,000 (US$637,400) in funding from Innovate UK and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The NSCFF project will develop an automated macroalgal protein cultivation assistant to harness the nutritional benefits of dulse and create an environmentally conscious protein source for poultry. Trials will be conducted at SRUC's poultry facility near Edinburgh to assess the impact of dulse inclusion on nutrient digestibility, growth, carcass quality, and gut health

This research will provide valuable insights into the potential of dulse as a sustainable and efficient alternative protein source for chicken feed. Dr. Farina Khattak, who will lead the SRUC trials with Professor Jos Houdijk, highlights the significant potential of dulse due to its high bioavailable protein content. However, the challenge lies in the expensive and intricate nature of dulse cultivation. Despite this, dulse's rapid growth capacity holds promise for providing a sustainable supply of biomass suitable for poultry diets. The NSCFF project aims to reshape the poultry industry by introducing a cost-effective alternative to soybean meal, thus reducing the ecological impact of poultry production and promoting locally sourced and eco-friendly poultry nutrition.