The Effect of different levels of algae (Spirulina) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, gut microflora, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters in broiler chickens

The Effect of different levels of algae (Spirulina platensis) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, gut microflora and some blood parameters in broiler chickens was investigated in this study.

Experimental diets included control diet (with no additive), 3 levels of algae (1, 1.5, 2 g/kg diet), and one level of prebiotic (1 g/kg diet) as a positive control were fed to birds from 1 to 42 d of age.

The results showed that adding Spirulina algae to diet increased body weight gain and decreased feed conversion ratio during starter (1-10 d), grower (11-28 d) and whole period of rearing (1- 42 d) in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). The concentration of white blood cells, IgY, IgM, Ca and P in blood serum of broilers fed with 2 g alga/ kg diet was higher than other groups, however, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower (P<0.05). Supplementation of diet with alga increased the number of lactobacillus in gut (P<0.05). Also, villus height and the ratio of villus height/crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of broilers fed with 2 g alga/kg was higher than other groups (P<0.05).

In conclusion, Spirulina algae supplementation improved growth performance, villus height, WBC count and decreased MDA in serum of broiler chickens, so it can be considered as a useful additive in broiler chickens diet.