Future of Food: Journal on Food

Nutrient and Phytochemical Composition of Blue-green Algae (Spirulina platensis) as a Potential Feed for Boschveld Chickens

Modipadi Austacia Kawa
School of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural of Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, Limpopo, South Africa
Teedzai Chitura
School of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural of Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, Limpopo, South Africa
Tlou Grace Manyelo
School of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural of Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, Limpopo, South Africa

The study investigated the nutrient and phytochemical composition of blue-green algae (Spirulina platensis) as a potential feed for Boschveld chickens. The Official Methods of Analysis (AOAC) were used for nutrient composition determination whereas Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (QTOF-MS) was used for the phenolic compounds. The moisture content of the algae was 3.33%, Crude Protein 21.63%, ADF 57.01%, NDF 69.58%, ash 13.27%, and fat 0.76%. The nutrient components of blue-green algae as determined in the study, exceeded the recommended minimum nutrient requirements for chickens, except for fat, whose composition was below the recommended level. Macro mineral composition of the algae was Ca 0.23%, Mg 0.11%, Na 0.16%, P 0.07%, and K 0.21%. The macro-mineral composition of blue-green algae as determined in the study exceeded the recommended minimum requirements for chickens, except for phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) whose compositions were below the recommended levels. Micro-mineral composition of the algae was Fe 8979ppm, Zn 25ppm, Cu 8ppm, K/Ca+Mg 0.26%, and Mn 25ppm. The micro-mineral composition of blue-green algae as determined in the study exceeded the recommended minimum requirements for chickens except for phosphorous and manganese whose composition was below the recommended level. Phenolic compound analysis indicated an abundance of gallic acid, phenolic acids and flavonoids. The findings of this study revealed that blue-green algae are rich in nutrients and diverse phenolic compounds that are essential for the production of indigenous chicken breeds.

Keywords : LC-MS, Phenolic Compounds, Nutrients, Indigenous, Nutrition .
Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
International students are more likely to experience mental health issues and increased stress. Mental health is often surrounded by negative societal stigmas that act as barriers to seeking support and tend to lead to greater mental health concerns. International students tend to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers rather than seeking out counseling services. However, this study shows that LGBTQIA+ international students were less likely to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers due to fear of their sexual orientation being discovered and their families finding out about their identity. This study examines how LGBTQIA+ international students talk about their experiences on and off campus in relations to their socioemotional well-being. Specifically, this study sought to better understand the complexities of LGBTQIA+ students’ identities, and the challenges they faced in terms of their socioemotional well-being. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords : international students, socioemotional well-being, mental health, identity development, intersectionality, LGBTQIA