Exploring the potential of algae for boosting the immune system of animals and reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock farming

The cell wall of macroalgae, or seaweed, contains large quantities of sulfated polysaccharides. Various studies have shown their wide range of biological properties, including anticoagulant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, antitumoral and immunomodulatory.

A research partnership was set up between INRA and Olmix Group, the global leader in macroalgal biorefinery (particularly green and red algae), to explore the potential of isolated algal extracts rich in sulfated polysaccharides (OLMIX MSP® IMMUNITY) Joint efforts have led to demonstrate that In an in vitro study on differentiated intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-1), the results showed that MSP® IMMUNITY prepared from Ulva armoricana green macroalgae, harvested from the northern coast of Brittany, stimulated the production of immune mediators in the intestine as CCL20, IL-8 and TNFα.. The role of those immune mediators in the activation, recruitment and migration of immune cells, upon intestinal infections is demonstrated: hence this work proves the possible modulation of intestinal immunity by MSP® IMMUNITY (1) (Berri et al., 2016).

Understanding the mechanism of the immunomodulatory action mediated by MSP® IMMUNITY is necessary in order to optimize the use of bioactive polysaccharides in future prevention strategies boosting the animals immune response and health. The studies went thus further to explore the mechanisms involved in the modulation of immune response of epithelial cells by MSP® IMMUNITY . We have demonstrated that signaling pathway involves the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) via the P13K/AKT pathway and the NF-κB transcription factor (2) (Berri et al., 2017).

These in vitro results are very promising, since it shows that the MSP® IMMUNITY could be used in animal feed to modulate the immune response of livestock and protect their mucous membranes from pathogenic bacteria, increase animals’ resistance to infection and reduce the use of antibiotics on farms, an actual major public concern.

– (1) Berri M et al. (2017) Algal Res 28, 39-47.

– (2) Berri M et al. (2016) J Appl Phycol, doi:10.1007/s10811-016-0822-7.

Scientific contacts :

Pi Nyvall Collen, Olmix Group, Bréhan | PNyvallCollen@olmix.com | tel. 06 33 61 30 46.
Mustapha Berri, UMR Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRA, Université François Rabelais, Nouzilly | el-mostafa.berri@inra.fr | tel. 02 47 42 73 19

About Olmix MSP® IMMUNITY

MSPIMMUNITY is already used in commercial products for modern intensive livestock farming.

Used in drinking water (Searup®) in start-up periods (weak or highly challenged immunity), times of stress (transition of building or feed) or during vaccination, this product has demonstrated its ability to produce a more homogeneous immunization response, reduce animal mortality and improve growth performance.

The ongoing use of MSP® IMMUNITY in multiple, small, daily, doses in animal feed is currently being explored (Algimun®). The first results from R&D trials and large-scale field testing show an improvement in growth performance. Underlining the constant challenges faced by livestock, these results indicate that supporting their immunity in a natural way could be a good solution for improving animal welfare and reducing susceptibility to pathogens.

MSP® IMMUNITY based products are also successfully included in comprehensive “antibiotic-free, thanks to algae” programs involving chickens, turkeys and pigs.

About Olmix Group: algae-based natural solutions for nutrition and health

As a specialist in marine biotechnology, Olmix Group brings natural sources of nutrition and health to plants, animals and people, for a complete, consistent food and health chain, Thanks to Algae!