Feed-grade spirulina powder

The basic characteristics and production process of feed-grade spirulina powder

Feed-grade spirulina powder is a powdered feed additive made from fresh spirulina through spray drying and sieving disinfection. Its fineness is usually above 80 mesh. The pure product has a dark green color and a smooth texture. Products that have not been sieved or have added other substances will have a rough feel. Spirulina belongs to the Cyanophyta class of the Chlorophyta phylum and is a type of simple-cellular, low-grade photosynthetic organism. It has survived on Earth for 3.5 billion years due to its spiral filamentous appearance under a microscope. 

Nutritional Components and Core Value of Feed-grade Spirulina Powder

Key Nutritional Components

High Protein: The protein content is as high as 60%-70%, and it contains all the essential amino acids required by humans and animals. Among them, 8 are essential amino acids that animals cannot synthesize on their own. 

Rich in bioactive substances: containing β-carotene, phycocyanin, polysaccharide substances and high levels of chlorophyll, and also rich in vitamins (such as B vitamins), minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium, etc.). 

The core role in feed application

Nutritional supplementation: Effectively making up for the deficiencies of protein, vitamins and minerals in conventional feed, and enhancing the overall nutritional value of the feed. 

Promotion of growth and improvement of survival rate: In aquaculture (such as for shrimp, soft-shelled turtles, river crabs, eels, etc.) and livestock breeding, it can significantly promote the growth of young animals, enhance their resistance to diseases, and increase the survival rate of breeding. 

Improving meat quality and feed efficiency: By optimizing nutrient absorption, increasing feed conversion rate, and simultaneously improving the meat quality of animals, such as increasing the content of unsaturated fatty acids. 

Application scenarios and transportation storage of feed-grade spirulina powder

Main application fields

Aquaculture: Widely used in the breeding and adult farming of shrimp, soft-shelled turtles, river crabs, scallops, abalones, eels, etc., especially showing significant effects during the breeding stage. 

Livestock breeding: Added as a nutritional enhancer to livestock feed to enhance breeding efficiency and animal health. 

Transportation and Storage Requirements

Transportation: Items should be handled with care to prevent damage to the packaging. Avoid exposure to sunlight and rain. Do not mix with hazardous substances. 

Storage: It should be stored in a dry and ventilated environment to prevent moisture absorption and clumping, ensuring the stability of the nutritional components. 

The differences between feed-grade and other grades

Spirulina powder is classified into three types based on its application: feed-grade, food-grade and special-purpose: 

Feed grade: Primarily used in aquatic and livestock farming. The production standards focus on nutritional indicators and safety. 

Food grade: For use in human food, it must meet higher purity and hygiene standards.