Effect of feeding duration of <i>Spirulina platensis</i> on growth performance, haematological parameters, intestinal microbial population and carcass traits of broiler chicks

• DOI: 10.4314/sajas.v48i1.12
• Publication Date: 2018-02-12T06:32:57Z
• Authors: S Sugiharto; T Yudiarti; I Isroli; E Widiastuti
• Keywords: Caecum; Bacitracin; Gizzard

Spirulina platensis is a good candidate as an in-feed antibiotics substitute for broilers. However, its use seems impractical owing to high price, especially when being administered throughout the whole rearing period. This study aimed investigate effects of feeding duration S. on growth, haematological parameters, intestinal microbial population, and carcass traits broiler chicks. A total 288 one-day-old chicks were randomly allotted one four groups, including control (basal diet with 0.04% zinc bacitracin) (CONT) birds receiving basal supplemented 1% first seven days (SP-7), 21 (SP-21), 35 (SP-35). In this study, treatments had no significant effect growth performance The caecum relative weight was significantly higher in SP-35 than CONT SP-21 birds. values haemoglobin, erythrocytes, haematocrit lower other Compared CONT, numbers leukocytes, lymphocytes, number eosinophils. coliform ileum SP-7 caecum, tended be There difference broilers across groups. conclusion, administration broilers' life resulted similar or even better responses period.Keywords: Blood profile, bodyweight, broilers, quality, period, green alga,