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Review
. 2024 Jul 2;14(13):1964.
doi: 10.3390/ani14131964.

Analysing the Impact of Spirulina Intake Levels on Performance Parameters, Blood Health Markers and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chickens

Maria P Spínola  1   2 , Mónica M Costa  1   2 , José A M Prates  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Analysing the Impact of Spirulina Intake Levels on Performance Parameters, Blood Health Markers and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chickens

Maria P Spínola et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

This systematic review examines the impact of varying Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) intake levels on broiler chickens, focusing on growth performance, blood health markers and carcass traits. The data revealed cumulative Spirulina intakes from 3.13 g to 521 g per bird (total feed consumed multiplied by its proportion in the diet) establish a cubic relationship between dosage and growth outcomes. Initial benefits peak and diminish with increased intake, with the optimal threshold for growth performance identified at 45 g per bird. Lower intakes between 14 g and 29 g per bird enhance blood health markers, improving lipid profiles and antioxidant capacity. Similarly, cumulative intakes of 14 g to 37 g per bird optimise meat quality, resulting in better dressing percentages, breast and thigh yields and meat tenderness while minimizing undesirable traits like abdominal fat and cooking loss. These findings underscore the importance of precisely calibrated Spirulina supplementation strategies to maximise growth, health and meat quality benefits while avoiding adverse effects at higher doses. Future research should focus on identifying optimal dosage and duration, assessing long-term implications, elucidating mechanisms of action and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Comparative studies with other feed additives could further establish Spirulina's effectiveness and economic viability in poultry production.

Keywords: carcass traits; cumulative intake; growth performance; health status; meat quality; microalga; poultry.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The relationship among Spirulina dosage and key broiler growth indicators is characterised by cubic models: (a) final body weight; (b) cumulative body weight gain; (c) body weight gain; (d) feed conversion ratio.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of the effect of Spirulina intake on performance parameters, blood health markers and carcass traits of broiler chickens.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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