Protein value and health aspects of the seaweeds Saccharina latissima and Palmaria palmata evaluated with mink as model for monogastric animals

The aim of the present work was to evaluate protein value products from two seaweeds Saccharina latissima and Palmaria palmata grown in Norwegian waters characterize possible beneficial or detrimental effects intestine other organs. Mink, a well-established model for comparison nutrient digestibility monogastric animals used. Two each seaweeds, dried whole biomass concentrate, were evaluated. Five diets made; reference diet based on fish meal, one four seaweed products. In latter four, supplied 200 g/kg crude protein. Each fed male mink weeks. results showed that with less palatable than meal diet. had significantly higher water intake urine production animals, supposedly due very high ash content this product. This also stood out regarding concentration iodine, which 300 times fishmeal-based Apparent coefficient (ADC) total amino acids, estimated by difference, low values all products; 0.574 0.734 concentrated products, 0.588 0.700 respectively. apparent acid coefficients greater variation particularly histidine, <0.000 0.271 Also, ADC methionine these cysteine negative both chemical score proteins, digestible acids profile, 0 520 product concentrate Saccharina, 260 palmata, Expression genes associated digestive immune functions minor jejunum, somewhat more pronounced colon. related lipid metabolism. No diet-related alterations histology jejunum colon observed. histological investigation liver kidney structure some animals. Regarding microbiota assemblage mucosa colon, no clear observed either richness diversity. conclusion: biological proteins low. Only might be considered any use as source. gut health function. function, well iodine urine, indicating further investigations are required secure animal is not challenged ingredients diets.