Assessment of four microalgae on total ruminal gas and methane production, on dry matter digestibility and volatile fatty acids using in vitro batch cultures
Department: Animal Sciences
Supervised by: Dr Christos Christodoulou
Microalgae have gathered growing interest across diverse sectors, including renewable energy, food, environmental management, biofertilizers, and healthcare products. Furthermore, the escalating demand for microalgae in the animal feed sector is attributable to an augmented requirement for natural additives in animal nutrition and the expanding global livestock population. However, a significant concern is livestock's contribution to methane emissions, which primarily derive from ruminant enteric fermentation. Known for their cost-effectiveness and reproducibility, in vitro techniques have been extensively applied to assess the nutritive value of ruminant feeds, to understand rumens’ complex microbial fermentation processes, and to assess enteric methane production. This study will investigate the effect of four microalgae (Spirulina sp., Chlorela sp., Schizochytrium sp., and Nanochloropsis sp.) on ruminal gas and methane production, and fermentation characteristics, compared to a basal diet with no microalgae inclusion. Experimental diets will be incubated in rumen fluid from two non-lactating dairy cows in triplicate flasks for each treatment. The experiment will be performed three times (runs). Gas volume will be measured using headspace gas pressure, and a sample of gas will be analysed for methane at different time intervals during a 72-hour period. The pH will be recorded after the rumen fluid collection, and in the filtered flask content after the 72-hour measurement. Filtered content will be analysed for dry matter digestibility and volatile fatty acids (VFA). Methane and VFA will be analysed by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis (linear mixed models) will be performed to determine the effect of microalgae on the studied parameters.
The student will work under the supervision of the School of Agriculture Policy and Development (SAPD)/Department of Animal Sciences (DAS) academics and researchers, to investigate the effect of four microalgae in in vitro total gas and methane production as well as rumen fermentation characteristics. The placement will be performed in three steps: (i) literature review delving into a deeper understanding of microalgae as ruminant feeds, the diverse nutritional characteristics, and composition, as well as their effect on animal productivity and rumen fermentation processes by using peer-reviewed scientific publications and other electronic resources provided via the University of Reading library (week 1) (ii) implementation of the three in vitro runs and VFA analysis on the collected rumen fluid samples using lab equipment and gas chromatography in SAPD (week 2-5), and (iii) data organisation and statistical analysis (week 6). The planning and development of sample collection and analytical methodologies necessary for the current project will be provided to the student before the commencement of the 6-week placement.
The student should have developed an interest in animal/ruminant nutrition; good analytical skills; problem-solving and critical thinking; advanced knowledge of MS Excel and MS Word; excellent time-management and organisation skills; capability to operate at an individual level and as part of a team; decent laboratory skills and some understanding of statistical principles.
The student will acquire a diverse set of research skills, encompassing literature review, sample analysis using gas chromatography, data analysis, and statistical analysis. Working collaboratively with scientists from various disciplines, including expertise in ruminant nutrition and physiology, food science, and statistical analysis, the student will develop a versatile skill set. Being part of a state-of-the-art and experienced research team, along with potential co-authorship of future publications, will provide valuable insights into the nature of research careers and will enhance the student's employability in both academic and industry pathways. The student will undergo appropriate training in laboratory analysis and statistical methods to ensure a successful placement. This training will also contribute to the development of transferable skills for future academic research requirements, such as the final dissertation. To optimize the placement's success, the student will be encouraged to create and adhere to a well-planned day-to-day task schedule.
University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development (Agriculture Building).
Monday to Friday 9 am-5 pm with an hour daily for lunch
Monday 24 June 2024 - Friday 02 August 2024
The deadline to apply for this project is 5pm on Friday 26th April 2024. To make an application, please go to the following link and complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/LDxskffW5H. Please remember the title of the project (listed at the top of the page) as you will need this to locate the project on the application form.