The effects of using spirulina algae on the growth performance, blood parameters and some enzymes of the immune system of Holstein suckling calves

Spirulina is a microscopic unicellular algae that grows in fresh water and has a simple structure but a complex composition. This algae contains rich sources of various nutrients that have antioxidant properties and probiotic properties and can be suitable substitutes for antibiotics and can be used specifically as growth stimulants and improvement of feed conversion ratio in Holstein calves. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of using spirulina algae on the growth performance, blood parameters and some enzymes of the immune system of suckling Holstein calves.

To perform this experiment, 32 female Holstein calves between the ages of 1 to 5 days and the average weight of 37.2±2 kg were selected in a completely random design with 4 treatments and 8 replications. The experimental treatments included: 1) basic diet without additives, 2) basic diet with 1% spirulina algae, 3) basic diet with 2% spirulina algae, 4) basic diet + 3% spirulina algae based on the dry matter of the diet.

The data showed that the addition of 3% level of spirulina algae in the ration of suckling calves increased the final weight compared to the control group (P<0.05). Daily weight gain of suckling calves due to the addition of spirulina algae tended to be significant, so that the calves receiving 3% spirulina algae had a greater daily weight gain compared to other experimental treatments (P<0.06). Feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of suckling calves were not significantly affected by feeding spirulina algae. Addition of spirulina algae increased the body length of suckling calves at 30 days compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Also, the height from the withers and breast circumference of the suckling calves at 30 and 75 days old increased by receiving 1 percent algae (P<0.05). The use of spirulina algae in the diet of infant calves did not have a significant effect on the blood concentration of glucose, triglyceride, albumin and blood urea at 30 and 65 days. Cholesterol concentration decreased in 30 days by adding 2% spirulina algae (P<0.05). On the other hand, the use of 2% spirulina algae increased the total protein concentration compared to the control group (P<0.05). The blood concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate increased with the addition of 1 and 2% spirulina algae (P<0.05). The concentration of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase was not affected by spirulina algae. The concentration of superoxide dismutase increased significantly after 30 days in the groups receiving one percent algae (P<0.05). The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were not affected by the use of algae in the diet of suckling calves.

In general, the use of spirulina algae at the level of 3% based on the dry matter of the starter diet of Holstein suckling calves was able to increase superoxide dismutase at 30 days of age and total antioxidant capacity, the final body weight and daily weight gain at 75 days of age and at the level of 2% the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate and protein. It increased the total in 75 days and decreased the blood cholesterol at the level of 2% at 30 days and at the level of 1% at 75 days. Therefore, to increase the calf's immune system, it is recommended to use spirulina algae at the level of 3% based on the dry matter of the Holstein calf's starter diet.