EXPLORATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF MICROALGAE AS A FEED SUPPLEMENT TO IMPROVE DAIRY CALVES PRODUCTIVITY AND HEALTH

Novi Mayasari

Abstract
   For many dairy farmers, calf morbidity and mortality result in significant financial losses. Diarrhoea induced by intestinal bacterial infections is the leading cause of calf mortality worldwide. Antibiotics incorporated in milk replacer have traditionally been used as prophylactic therapies. However, as public awareness about antibiotic resistance has grown, so has consumer interest in alternative supplements. Microalgae is one of the marine resources with the potential to be employed as a phytoadditive. Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and other organic components, as well as other metabolites suitable for animal feed, are all found in microalgae. Microalgae have a high protein content of 58-63 percent, 0.88-1.56 percent fat, 5.6-8 mg/g beta-carotene, 2.24-2.62 mg/g vitamin C, and Vitamin E is around 0.89-1.04 mg/g, high antioxidant compound it has the potential to be used as an alternative to antibiotic for livestock including dairy calves. Microalgae also contain omega-3, especially DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) which has a positive effect on the immune system. The research on the use of microalgae as a feed supplement in dairy calves has to be improved. The review underlines the nutritional and physiological value of microalgae to animals, with particular emphasis on the antioxidant effect in dairy calves’ immunity.