Potential of Local Macroalgae from the West Coast of Sulawesi as a Mineral Source for Ruminants: A Review

Minerals are essential nutrients that ruminant animals need in small amounts, but they play an important role in various physiological functions, such as growth, production, and health. A deficiency of minerals in feed can impair animal performance and health, making mineral supplementation highly important. Macroalgae, as one of the abundant marine biological resources, are known to have high levels of both macro and trace minerals and have the potential to serve as a natural mineral source in ruminant livestock feed. This study employed a narrative review method to synthesise scientific information on the mineral content of several local macroalgae species from the west coast of Sulawesi, including Gracilaria sp., Eucheuma Cottonii., Eucheuma denticulatum, Caulerpa sp., Sargassum sp., Padina sp., and Halymenia sp. The results indicate that Sargassum sp. and Padina sp. have high macro-mineral content, such as K, Ca, and Mg, while Gracilaria sp. excels in trace mineral content, such as Fe and Zn. This potential makes macroalgae a promising alternative mineral source, particularly in supporting sustainable aquaculture systems. However, challenges such as mineral content variability, heavy metal accumulation potential, and technical-economic aspects must be carefully considered for safe and efficient commercial-scale application.