Animal Farmers Increasingly Using Feed Containing Single-Cell Protein Sources

With the global population set to reach 10.9 billion by 2100, growing from 7.7 billion in 2019, as per the United Nations (UN), the demand for milk and meat is growing rapidly. This is leading to an increase in animal husbandry activities, which is propelling the demand for animal feed. The more nutritious the diet, the better the quantity and quality of the milk and meat produced. For this, a protein-rich diet is important, which is why with the growing cattle population, the demand for spirulina and chlorella is rising.

Apart from animal feed, these organisms are being used in food supplements for humans. For instance, spirulina is rich in proteins, vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), iron, and copper. Similarly, chlorella has high amounts of proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, and omega-3 and small amounts of magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, folic acid, calcium, and vitamins B 1, 3, and 8. With the increasing health consciousness, people are joining gyms and working out. Gym instructors usually prescribe protein-rich supplements, such as whey protein, chlorella, and spirulina.

Due to the various benefits and applications of these two organisms, of all the sources of single-cell proteins, algae have witnessed the highest consumption till now, because spirulina and chlorella are essentially algae. These microalgae are also now being used as biofertilizers and biostimulants to promote plant growth. This is essential since the booming population and expanding cities are eating into farmlands. Hence, the agrarian community is under extreme pressure to utilize the remaining agricultural fields to produce more than ever.

This is leading to more cycles of sowing and reaping, which are often more than the soil can withstand. As a result, the fertility of the soil reduces, and it needs to be replenished regularly. For decades, chemically synthesized fertilizers have been used on farms, but they have their own set of problems. Thus, there is a rapid shift underway toward organic fertilizers, such as those made from microalgae (spirulina and chlorella). Further, the growing popularity of food claimed as being grown organically is driving the demand for organic fertilizers.

Therefore, with expanding applications, the consumption of protein extracts from SCPs will increase.

Browse report overview and detailed TOC at Protein Extracts from Single Cell Protein Sources Market Growth Forecast Report