Assessment of novel algal biomass streams for their potential to enrich eggs with bioactive carotenoids - Phase II

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Astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-ß-carotene-4,4'-dione) is a carotenoid compound that can be produced by microalgae, including strains of Haematoccous (ie: Haemotococcus pluvialis). This carotenoid has garnered considerable attention of late for its potential as a natural health product, specifically related to its anti-oxidative properties. The industrial partner, Myera Group Inc., has developed a systems process for the production of astaxanthin-enriched algal biomass, where carotenoid levels, and the content of other nutrients (including long chain fatty acids) can be manipulated through changes in growth conditions (light, temperature, CO2 content). While a primary market for Myera Group Inc. is the natural health product potential of astaxanthin, opportunity exists to evaluate co-products for use in poultry feeds to: 1) enrich eggs with astaxanthin, and 2) serve as a novel dietary pigment to enhance yolk colour. During our initial Engage Grant, we established conditions for significant astaxanthin production and established the necessary production conditions to generate the required biomass for laying hen studies. During this Engage Plus grant, we will determine the effect of including the astaxanthin-enriched algal biomass products, derived during the original Engage Grant, into laying hen diets on the nutritional profile and sensory qualities of table eggs. With this objective, we expect to see that 1) egg total astaxathin and long chain omega-3 fatty acids increase with inclusion of novel algal biomass products. Furthermore, the use of the novel ingredients will enhance the yolk colour of eggs derived from hens consuming wheat-based diets. The identification of an algal biomass-derived ingredient enriched in astaxanthin has the potential to: 1) create new products for Canadian consumers (enriched eggs); 2) advance novel algae production systems with impacts for community development, given the business plan of Myera Group Inc. NSERC funds will yield new knowledge as to putative mechanisms that will form the basis of future partnership program applications (ie: NSERC CRD).