The Value of feeding seaweed

Already for considerable time diverse alga products are used in the animal nutrition. The first reports that algae support pigmentation come from the canine nutrition. But also bird breeders recognized the effect of algae on the synthesis of melanins early. Primarily for Canaries with a maximum of melanin are successfully fed with algae as a supplement.
Today a number of companies offer alga (seaweeds) products. Some prefer liquids, others use dried and pulverized algae. Also the species of algae that are used are different. Usually, Ascophyllum nodosum or Laminaria digitata are the preferred species, all of them brown/green algae.
Since few years there is an alga at the market that is produced from red algae. The red alga has a very high content of Calzium - for a plant amazingly highly! But also the other ingredients show that red algae are something special.

Content of the current algae  in %, or in mg

A very special point is the high percentage of a highly digestible form of 'organic' calcium which makes the red alga very interesting.

Where is the real value of feeding the alga?
At the melanin syntehsis, the bird converts the amino acid Tyrosin with an enzyme about the different intermediate steps into melanin. Amino acids are part of the responsible enzyme. And various trace elements are involved in the enzyme synthesis. Copper is the first limiting trace element of all.
Thus if we increase the percentage of the amino acids and trace elements as a protein supplement we also optimize the melanin synthesis. By the way, the corresponding supplements with single amino acids already have a positive effect. However, these products are not replaced with the algae! A protein supplement cmbined with the red sea alga complete perfectly!
Furthermore, the alga powder has even additional characteristics. We support healthy and fitness of the birds. The red alga harmonizes the metabolism through the acid-base regulation. With some basic food types we find a too high acidity. In consequence, metabolism is disturbed. Liver, kidney and primarily the gender organs are handycapped in their function. Also infections through bacteria, viruses and primarily mushrooms will occur.
A supplement of red alga powder during moult is a 'must'. Some breeders believe that seaweed only is necessary for black or brown Canaries. Of course - a maximum of melanin is needed in these two groups but we also can improve feather structure and dependent by that a deeper colour. Therefore, I can only advise every breeder to provide the sea algae through moulting time.
By the way, don't be confused with the name 'red alga'. The pigments that let these algae seem red is called an 'Anthocyane' also responsible for the colour of blossoms of most other plants. Anthocyane are water-soluble. Therefore, the dried sea algae does not show any red colour. the dried red algae look brownish. In opposite, green algae also contain a lot of Carotenoids. Therefore, the feeding of the red algae is harmless to possible discolouration in yellow birds.
As I showed, there are some reasons to feed the algae to all birds.
An addition of 3 % to the softfood is sufficient. But pay attention that
· You get the described red alga;
· powder is better in dosage as a liquid;
· additional you need a supplement containing the essential amino acids, minerals and trace elements. Also, during the resting times feeding of algae is beneficial. Try it!
A very special point is the high percentage of a highly digestible form of 'organic' calcium which makes the red alga very interesting.

Where is the real value of feeding the alga?
At the melanin syntehsis, the bird converts the amino acid Tyrosin with an enzyme about the different intermediate steps into melanin. Amino acids are part of the responsible enzyme. And various trace elements are involved in the enzyme synthesis. Copper is the first limiting trace element of all.
Thus if we increase the percentage of the amino acids and trace elements as a protein supplement we also optimize the melanin synthesis. By the way, the corresponding supplements with single amino acids already have a positive effect. However, these products are not replaced with the algae! A protein supplement cmbined with the red sea alga complete perfectly!
Furthermore, the alga powder has even additional characteristics. We support healthy and fitness of the birds. The red alga harmonizes the metabolism through the acid-base regulation. With some basic food types we find a too high acidity. In consequence, metabolism is disturbed. Liver, kidney and primarily the gender organs are handycapped in their function. Also infections through bacteria, viruses and primarily mushrooms will occur.
A supplement of red alga powder during moult is a 'must'. Some breeders believe that seaweed only is necessary for black or brown Canaries. Of course - a maximum of melanin is needed in these two groups but we also can improve feather structure and dependent by that a deeper colour. Therefore, I can only advise every breeder to provide the sea algae through moulting time.
By the way, don't be confused with the name 'red alga'. The pigments that let these algae seem red is called an 'Anthocyane' also responsible for the colour of blossoms of most other plants. Anthocyane are water-soluble. Therefore, the dried sea algae does not show any red colour. the dried red algae look brownish. In opposite, green algae also contain a lot of Carotenoids. Therefore, the feeding of the red algae is harmless to possible discolouration in yellow birds.
As I showed, there are some reasons to feed the algae to all birds.
An addition of 3 % to the softfood is sufficient. But pay attention that

• You get the described red alga;
• powder is better in dosage as a liquid;
• additional you need a supplement containing the essential amino acids, minerals and trace elements. Also, during the resting times feeding of algae is beneficial. Try it!