Slađana Rakita is an early career researcher at the Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad (Serbia). She was awarded with a STSM grant titled “Safety and nutritive value of Ulva spp. collected from the Adriatic sea” to visit the Institute of Marine Biology, Montenegro.
The main objective of the research was to evaluate the potential of utilizing Ulva as an alternative feed ingredient in animal nutrition. During the stay, she conducted a safety evaluation of Ulva sampled from Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic Sea). The safety assessment focused on heavy metal content in Ulva to provide the data for risk assessment. Furthermore, the assessment of nutritive value of Ulva encompassed determination of chemical and mineral composition, fatty acid and amino acid profile. The results indicated that Ulva exhibits a great potential as a functional feed ingredient, as it is a good source of proteins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acid and amino acids. These findings are anticipated to contribute to laying a foundation for future commercial applications of Ulva in animal nutrition.
This STSM was a unique opportunity for Slađana to broaden her fundamental knowledge about marine biodiversity and valorisation of marine sources, gain new skills and boost career development. Additionally, exchange of knowledge and ideas with scientist from the host institution was a valuable opportunity to reinforce collaboration with researchers of complementary areas by integrating discipline of marine biology, feed quality, feed technology, and animal nutrition. Overall, the visit of Institute of Marine Biology within this STSM played a significant role in fostering collaboration between the two institutions, thereby strengthening the overall impact of the COST action.
