Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Spirulina platensis on the Reproductive Performance of Female Mink

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of providing Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) on reproductive performance of female mink. A total of 100 adult brown female mink (Mustela vison) were randomly and equally allocated to control group (C group), in which mink were fed basal diet and Spirulina group (Sp group), where mink received basal diet supplemented with 100 mg of Spirulina/kg of body weight. The experiment lasted 5 months, starting from 1 month prior to mating till kit weaning. Weight gain during pre-mating period was higher in Sp group compared to C group (p < 0.001). Sp group remained heavier until the onset of lactation. Subsequently, mink of Sp group lost more weight than C group (p < 0.001) but without an adverse effect on kit survival. A tendency for a higher whelping rate was detected in Sp group (93.61%) compared to C group (81.25%) (p = 0.07). Litter size, as well as weight of kits at weaning, did not differ between groups (p > 0.10). Finally, Sp group weaned numerically more kits compared to C group. Results obtained here showed that Spirulina treated animals tended to an increased whelping rate.

The potential of Spirulina platensis to substitute antibiotics in Japanese quail diets: impacts on growth, carcass traits, antioxidant status, blood biochemical parameters, and cecal microorganisms

“…Feeding broilers with Spirulina as a growth enhancer improves their performance by increasing their feed conversion ratio, live body weight gain and carcass yield percentages than broilers consumed basal diet ( Samarth et al, 2002 ; Kharde et al, 2012 ). Spirulina platensis -containing diets for chickens significantly increased meat production compared to control diets (Iatrou et al, 2022) . It has also been reported that Spirulina helps with the digestion of nutrients, the absorption of minerals, and the prevention of diarrhea ( Gružauskas et al, 2004 ).…”

Arthrospira platensis nanoparticles dietary supplementation improves growth performance, steroid hormone balance, and reproductive productivity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock

“…This finding is consistent with previous research conducted on nanny goats and doe rabbits, which also demonstrated improved litter size with Spirulina supplementation [ 60 ]. In another study, Iatrou et al [ 62 ] reported that Arthrospira -treated female mink tended to an increased whelping rate.…”

Effect of Spirulina platensis Supplementation on Reproductive Parameters of Sahrawi and Jabbali Goat Bucks

“…Spirulina platensis (SP) has been reported to be an effective dietary supplement for boosting animal reproduction [1,2]. It has a significant amount of protein, accounting for 60-70% of its dry matter, and it contains all essential amino acids, vitamins, and essential minerals and fatty acids [3,4].The inclusion of SP in the nutrition of various farm animals such as pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, and even pets, as well as its application in aquaculture, has led to enhanced production, improved health, increased fertility, and profitability [5].…”