GREEN EGG project: a model of sustainability. Microalgae derived from CO2 bioconversion as a source of astaxanthin in diets for laying hens

The European Green Deal, an essential part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda implementation, sets ambitious goals for the economy and especially for the agricultural sector, aiming to preserve the stock of natural capital and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To achieve these objectives, the document highlight the key-role of the agri-food sector and the importance of the Farm to Fork strategy as operational tool to implement the Green Deal in the agricultural sector. Coherently with this perspective, AGRITECH (Italian National Center for Technology in Agriculture) identified three main key goals: 1) Ensuring nutritious, healthy and sustainable food for all; 2) Setting up full circularity of food and agricultural systems; 3) Restoring diversity in food, farm and social systems. GREEN EGG project aims to valorize agro-industrial by-products through innovative bio-based strategies, thanks to the innovative algal growth plant based on the absorption and conversion of CO2. The innovative algal plant is based on the biorefinery concept and aims to decarbonization and to guarantee continuous production of selected microalgae to increase plant productivity and the quality of the microalgae produced with consequent reduction of energy costs to guarantee the eco-sustainability of the process for future scaleups. The microalgae selected is Haematococcus pluvialis due to its high content in astaxanthin, important carotenoid with high antioxidant power. In particular, specific LEDs will be developed capable of increasing the productivity of algal cultivation but above all to increase the production of astaxanthin in phases of stress. The project aims to build a circular economy model by using the Haematococcus pluvialis and the astaxanthin extract as nutraceuticals in the feeding of laying hens. Aiming at their antioxidant component, innovative feeds will be produced for "improved and sustainable" eggs production and quality, in a circular economy model. Shortly, the GREEN EGG project propose a virtuous cascade mechanism that reduces environmental impact, improves animal welfare and promotes adaptation to climate change by modulating the immune system of hens and improving their resistance to diseases, with consequent reduction in the use of antibiotics.