Spirulina supplementation in poultry feeds increases growth performance and much more!

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:12:34 GMT

Spirulina supplementation in poultry feeds increases growth performance and much more!

Two truly essential factors to the success of a Poultry farmer are minimising morality rates; and maximising growth rates/market weight. As discussed in the previous post - we know that Spirulina platensis significantly increases survival rates in chickens infected with Newcastle disease (a particularly deadly disease). One related study found that not only does it increase the strength of the Poultry's immune systems; providing immunomodulatory and immunostimulant effects (promoting survival), these effects have been found to reduce intestinal E. Coli (Alwaleed et al., 2020) - decreasing the likelihood of transmission (if consumed) to humans. However, the focus of this post is on the other benefits derived from Spirulina supplementation.

A paper by El-Shall et al (2023) highlighted that inclusion of Spirulina can have a positive effect on gut microbial population, serum biochemical parameters and growth rates. Spirulina stimulated the increase of intestinal villi length and number of the epithelial cells particularly goblet cells - this makes for better absorption of nutrients and therefore more efficient food conversion and growth rates. This evidence is supported by a further three papers (Qureshi et al., 1996; Fathi et al., 2018; and Alwaleed et al., 2021), all finding increased growth rates and improved food conversion from the supplementation of Spirulina in Poultry feed. Further notable benefits are; increased microbial load; reduced abdominal fat; and increased oxidative stability (immunomodulatory effects).

Other Poultry farmers may be more concerned with egg productivity; A study by Nia et al., (2021) found that the inclusion of algal biomass at just 0.6% in feed significantly increased egg production, egg mass and coloration. In a similar study Hajati and Zaghari (2019) studied the effects of Spirulina supplementation on laying Quail finding that it significantly decreased the amount of cholesterol per gram of yolk and improved the colour of the yolk.

These papers all found astonishing results owing to the bioactive metabolites present in Spirulina , as research develops and becomes more targeted - identifying optimal feed regimes and modes, there is no doubt that Spirulina supplementation will become the norm in Poultry farming.

The immune system-boosting power of Spirulina platensis in poultry

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:18:52 GMT

The immune system-boosting power of Spirulina platensis in poultry

The international poultry industry suffers considerable losses in capital each year due to disease outbreaks despite the widespread use of vaccinations and medicines; a result of increased drug resistance among viruses, bacteria and fungi. This has prompted livestock farmers to search for a natural alternative to protect their livelihood against such disease outbreaks. One such alternative that has proven affective is the inclusion of Spirulina platensis in the diet of livestock (particularly poultry).

A study done by El-Shall et al. (2023) focused on the prolific Newcastle disease in poultry - poultry affected have between 80-100% mortality rates. It found that dietary inclusion of S. platensis exerted anit-inflammatory and antiviral effects. This significantly reduced the mortality rate, alleviating the disease and reducing weight loss in affected poultry. This strengthened response comes as a result of increases in white blood cell and killer T-cell counts - essential for fighting diseases. There is vast evidence to suggest these benefits are not limited to poultry; studies on quail, sheep and even humans show similar immune system boosting properties.

One further benefit that was found is an increased resilience to high temperatures, adverse affects such as; impaired enzymatic antioxidant systems; raised stress hormones; and altered lipid profiles were all reduced - a useful property for poultry farmers battling soaring summer temperatures and extended drought periods resulting from our changing world.

The future of long-term disease resistance and increased survivability lies in the inclusion of Spirulina platensis in poultry diets.

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Spirulina supplementation in poultry feeds increases growth performance and much more!