Spirulina platensis a Promising Growth Promoter for Poultry Industry

Abstract

100-broiler chickens (Vencobb 400 Y) weighing around180 grams at 8 days of age, randomly assigned to five equal groups; each group had four replicates of five chicks. The control group was fed a commercial basal ration, while other groups were given the same commercial basal ration supplemented with 0.2 g/kg, 0.3 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, and 0.7 g/kg Spirulina powder, respectively, for a period of 42 days. Data showed that Spirulina supplementation had a significant effect on chicks' growth performance. The highest significant effect was recorded at the level of 0.7g/kg Spirulina supplementation. It is concluded that Spirulina platensis supplementation had a significant effect on the growth performance of Vencobb 400 Y broilers. Therefore, Spirulina platensis supplementation could be used safely as a growth promoter for broilers.