Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is tapping into the nutritional potential of microalgae to develop innovative animal feed that can boost livestock productivity while supporting greener, more sustainable farming practices.

Species such as Spirulina sp. are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, said Puji Lestari, head of BRIN’s Research Organization for Agriculture and Food (ORPP).

"This type of feed not only supports animal growth but also improves the quality of meat, eggs, and milk," Lestari said in a statement on Friday.

She noted that spirulina can thrive in extreme environments, including brackish water and wastewater, while also absorbing carbon dioxide — helping to mitigate climate change.

"This can lead to a smarter, greener, and more sustainable transformation in livestock farming," she added.

Tanda Sahat Panjaitan, a researcher at BRIN’s Livestock Research Center, said spirulina contains 72.41 percent protein in dry matter form and is also rich in amino acids, vitamins, and essential minerals that support animal growth.

With the help of hydroponic fertilizers, spirulina can grow efficiently and produce high-quality biomass at significantly lower costs, he said.

According to Panjaitan, a 1,700-liter pond can yield about 200 grams of dry biomass per week — 7 ponds of a 1,700-liter enough to meet the daily feed needs of one cattle of 200 kg or 10 goats of 20 kg/head at feeding rate of 0.1 percent body weight.

Spirulina can be administered in various forms, including as a powder, paste, or diluted in drinking water, he added.

"Supplementing spirulina at just 1 percent of an animal’s body weight has been shown to improve daily growth, feed efficiency, and the quality of livestock products such as meat and milk," Panjaitan explained.

He emphasized that spirulina offers a practical, cost-effective way to enhance livestock productivity.

By using accessible and affordable nutrients, farmers can reduce dependence on expensive conventional feed and move toward a more sustainable livestock system.

Related news: BRIN uncovers ancient tsunami evidence near Yogyakarta Airport
Related news: Indonesia's BRIN announces discovery of new gecko species in East Java