Valorization of Brown Seaweed (Sargassum aquifolium) Alginate for Potential Sustainable Animal Feed Applications
Felicia Ling Wen Xia1, Rovina Kobun2

1Food Security Research Lab, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
2Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Locked Bag No. 3, 90509, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

The search for sustainable feed additives is vital to balance livestock productivity, welfare, and environmental stewardship in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Brown seaweed (Sargassum aquifolium), an abundant yet underutilized marine biomass, was investigated as a source of sodium alginate for animal feed applications. Alginate was extracted through ultrasound-assisted extraction yielding 51.63% (dry weight basis). Structural characterization via FTIR confirmed the presence of glycosidic linkages between &#946--D-mannuronic acid (M) and &#945--L-guluronic acid (G) residues. Rheological testing revealed excellent gel-forming and thickening capacities, supporting its potential role as a natural binder in pelleted feeds. Functional assays demonstrated moderate antioxidant potential, with DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC&#8325-&#8320-: 0.65 mg/mL). Moreover, alginate exhibited high water-holding and oil-binding capacities, which may improve nutrient digestibility and feed stability. From an environmental perspective, utilizing Sargassum biomass helps mitigate the ecological burden of seaweed overaccumulation while advancing circular bioeconomy strategies. These findings highlight S. aquifolium alginate as a multifunctional, potential eco-friendly feed ingredient capable of reducing reliance on synthetic additives, enhancing animal welfare, and promoting sustainable productivity.

Keywords: Sargassum aquifolium, alginate, animal feed, sustainability, livestock

Topic: Animal Nutrition