Effect of Blue Green Algae (Spirulina platensis) as Feed Additive on Productive Performance of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

This study was carried out in August and September of 2024 at the Department of Animal Nutrition, C.V.A.S., Navania, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, to evaluate the effect of blue green algae (Spirulina platensis) as feed additive on productive performance of broiler chicks. A six-week feeding trial was conducted using 120-day-old (Cobb-400) broiler chicks. Five treatment groups, each consisting of eight chicks and three replicates. A basal diet was given to the T₁ control group, while the T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ treatment groups received supplements of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 g kg^-1 Spirulina platensis powder in their respective basal broiler pre-starter, starter and finisher rations. The findings demonstrated that the T₅ group had the greatest impact on growth characteristics, with the T₁ group showing the lowest feed intake, body weight, weekly body weight gain, average daily body weight gain, and performance index (all significantly higher; (p<0.01). Supplementing with Spirulina had no observable impact on haemato-biological indicators such as TEC, PCV, and Hb. However, significantly (p<0.01) increased TLC, serum albumin, globulin, total protein, and the A/G ratio. The results of the subsequent study showed a significant reduction in the blood lipid profile as well as significant changes in the levels of serum creatinine, serum glucose, ALT and AST. Therefore, based on the development and feed intake of broilers, it may be possible to increase the growth performance and profitability of broiler farming by supplementing with up to 1.00 g kg^-1 of Spirulina powder.