Use of microalgal biomass in aquaculture feed: strategic and macro-environmental analysis in the next 10 years in Brazil

Abstract

Aquaculture is a rapidly growing livestock segment with the potential to meet the demand for proteins for food security, with microalgae and cyanobacteria being examples of alternative sources. The competitiveness of microalgal biomass in animal feed is linked to its metabolic versatility, biotechnological potential and high and diverse nutrient content. The objective of this article is to evaluate the use and competitiveness of microalgal biomass for the feed market in Brazilian aquaculture over the next 10 years based on consultation with experts. The Delphi method was used to consult Brazilian experts, who highlighted the technical and economic viability and development of scientific and technological induction programs for production processes as important points for the competitiveness of the use of algal biomass, which are directly related to the increase in the scale of cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria. This study highlights the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria biomass as a strategic bio-input, capable of boosting the production of more sustainable and more nutritious feed in Brazilian aquaculture. Microalgal biomass can also meet the suppressed demand for new feed ingredients in Brazil, becoming an alternative to fishmeal and soybean meal. However, the technical and economic bottlenecks in cultivation and processing described in the weaknesses and threats undermine the competitiveness of microalgal
biomass in aquaculture feed.