Effect of encapsulated microalgae (Spirulina platensis) in the poultry industry

This study was done to evaluate the effect of encapsulated microalgae (Spirulina Platensis) on antioxidant status and some blood parameters in broiler chicks for 42 days. A total of 320 one-day old broiler chicks (male sex) Ross 308 strain was divided to 8 treatments, 4 replicates (10 chicks in each replicate) in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets included control diet (with no additive, negative control), antibiotic (positive control), 3 levels of spirulina powder (0.33, 0.66 and 1 percent), and 3 levels of encapsulated spirulina powder (0.33, 0.66 and 1 percent) that were fed to birds from 1 to 42 days of age. Results showed that blood superoxide dismutase activity increased in chicks fed with encapsulated Spirulina powder and Spirulina powder at the level of 1 percent (P<0.05). But the concentration of catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes did not show any significant difference (P>0.05). Use of encapsulated Spirulina at the level of 0.66 and Spirulina powder at the level of 1 percent decreased blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations at 42d in broiler chicks (P< 0.05). In conclusion, using dietary Spirulina could improve antioxidant status and some blood parameters in broiler chicks.

Keywords:

Spirulina , antibiotic , encapsulated , broiler chicks