Solar Drying of Alaskan Seaweed and Use as a Sustainably Sourced Layer Hen Feed Ingredient

The overall project is designed to evaluate the suitability of Alaska-farmed sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) as a feed ingredient for certified organic layer hens, resulting in an improved market for harvested seaweed. Various kelp species incorporated into poultry diets (both layers and broilers) at inclusion rates ranging from 0.5 to 10% have resulted in changes in bird growth, intake, digestibility, and immune function, as well as altering egg quality (yolk coloration, omega-3 fatty acid content), weights and strength measurements.

This study first investigates the use of an innovative solar tower drying system to maintain nutritional value and stabilize seaweed for longer transportation and shelf life as a functional feed ingredient. Dried kelp will then be incorporated into test diets at 3- 5% of dry matter and fed to test flocks for 6 to 8 weeks, with control birds maintained on conventional diets.

Dietary composition, nutrient stability, and microbial loads will be assessed at the beginning and end of the trial. Animal responses measured will include intake and digestion, fecal consistency and microbiome characteristics. Egg production, quality parameters (size, weights, shell strength, yolk color, nutritional value) will be measured and compared between test and control hens. Economics and environmental metrics associated with the use of sugar kelp as a sustainable feed ingredient will be calculated.

Results will be summarized, presented at an appropriate poultry conference, and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed forum. For dissemination of results within Alaska WWF, with Seagrove’s support and collaboration, will broadly present the information and results in Alaska, for the benefit of Alaskan farmers and Alaska Native groups. The results and information will also be made available to Alaska Mariculture Alliance and Alaska Mariculture Cluster sites for broader release.

Learn more here.