Brown algae as feed additive in chicken diets

Algae and algal products are claimed to have prebiotic substances, (fibrous substances that stimulate beneficial gut microbes), immune stimulating and antibacterial effects and are suggested as a potential alternative to antibiotics. However, as for most feed additives, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed beneficial effects are largely unknown. In the proposed project the use of algae and algal products as feed additive in chicken production is evaluated. The project includes four workpackages (WP) and the last WP will evaluate the anti-microbial effect of algal products by using an infection model, in the model chickens are either fed a standard feed or a feed supplemented with algal product and the response to infection is measured.