Researchers at Utah State University are studying a natural feed-based solution that could support gut health in livestock and help reduce reliance on antibiotics. The work comes as global scrutiny of antibiotic use in animal agriculture continues to increase.
Inflammation plays an important role in the immune system. It helps the body respond to injury or infection. Problems arise when inflammation becomes chronic. In livestock, long-term inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract—often described as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—can reduce performance and, in severe cases, lead to death. Young animals face the greatest risk.
For decades, producers have relied on antibiotics to control bacterial infections and improve growth efficiency. While these tools have supported productivity, prolonged or widespread use can disrupt gut health. It can also contribute to antibiotic resistance and increase the risk of inflammatory conditions.
Data from the U.S. National Institutes of Health show that animal agriculture accounts for more than 70 percent of global antibiotic use. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warns that usage could rise further by 2030 unless livestock-producing countries adopt reduction strategies.
A Natural Alternative from Microalgae
In response to these challenges, USU researchers are examining mesobiliverdin IXα, a compound closely related to biliverdin. Biliverdin is a naturally occurring pigment known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Biliverdin occurs naturally in plants and animals, but it has proven difficult to produce in large, consistent quantities. To overcome this barrier, the research team developed a method to produce a biliverdin analog using microalgae. This approach allows the compound to be incorporated directly into livestock feed without costly purification steps.
Laboratory testing shows that mesobiliverdin IXα behaves similarly to biliverdin. Early findings suggest it may help support gastrointestinal health and reduce inflammation. Researchers say the compound could help maintain animal performance while lowering the need for antibiotics used to manage disease risk.
Feed-Ready and Commercially Scalable
By producing the compound within microalgae, the team created a feed-ready supplement they refer to as “Aggie-Feed.” Microalgae is already used in a range of agricultural and nutritional applications. It can also be produced at commercial scale.
The researchers note that the compound has shown additional benefits in animal models, including positive effects on bone health. These findings suggest the ingredient could have broader applications for livestock wellness beyond gut health.
The team published additional results in the March issue of the open-access journal Molecules. The work adds to a growing body of research focused on natural alternatives to antibiotics in animal production systems.
What This Means for Producers
As regulatory pressure and market expectations around antibiotic use continue to grow, feed-based tools that support animal health without sacrificing productivity are drawing increased interest. While further research and commercialization steps remain, USU scientists say microalgae-based supplements like mesobiliverdin could offer producers another option for supporting herd health in a changing production environment.
Producers and industry stakeholders interested in the commercialization of this technology can contact Utah State University’s Office of Research for more information.
