South Korea’s Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, part of the Ministry of Environment, announced on Wednesday that freshwater microalgae isolated from local waters have been found to improve intestinal health in broiler chickens. This demonstrates the potential for development as a feed additive.
Since 2019, the institute’s researchers have collaborated with Kim Myung Hoo’s team from Pusan National University and Gong Chang Soo’s team from Kyungpook National University. Their research focuses on exploring the efficacy of freshwater microalgae in developing feed additives using beneficial microorganisms.
The study revealed that the Parachlorella genus strain KSN-1 increases beneficial bacteria and immune antibodies in broilers’ cecum. It also boosts immunity by enhancing immune cells in the small intestine tissues.
This research was published in the international journal Poultry Science in December 2024, gaining recognition for its academic contribution to the functional properties of beneficial microorganisms for feed additives.
Following this study, the researchers plan to complete efficacy validation research on combining functional probiotics and microalgae as broiler feed additives by 2026.