Valorising side streams in circular animal feed additives: Opportunities and challenges

Because of a growing world population there is an increasing need for protein production, in addition to traditional agriculture and fisheries. Several new crops such as microalgae, macro algae, aquatic higher plants, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates (insects and worms) have received growing scientific attention, because of potential high biomass yields for protein production on small surface areas. Several side streams (flue gas, residual heat, biogas slurry and solid wastes) can be valorised in their cultivation. Combining bioenergy production and its side streams with cultivation of these circular crops, improves economy and sustainability of both.
At the ACRRES site, Wageningen University runs pilot facilities together with several SMEs. The research is aimed at innovating and improving economics of alternative crop production and energy use efficiency. The main focus is on utilization of microalgae and other novel crops to benchmark this with conventional feeds. Data on their value as feed ingredient and from optimized production systems are used as input for legislation matters with regard to nutrient use and feed safety. In addition to their suitable macro composition research indicates that some circular feed components have added value to improve animal health and final quality of the animal end products.