Journal: |
World's Poultry Science Journal
Cambridge Core
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Volume: |
127
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Abstract: |
Chlorel la ( vulgar is spp.; CLV) is a genus of unicellular freshwater microalgae that
are fit for human consumption and are used as additives with high nutritional value
in feed for agriculturally important animals. Chlorella spp. are characterised by
their simple cultivation, high productivity and levels of protein and other nutrients.
Investigations have shown that the growth performance of broilers can be positively
affected by the addition of very low amounts of CLV biomass (0.5-1.0% of the diet)
to feed. The effect of CLV on growth and development is considered to stem from its
high protein content (60.6%) and nutritional value. Results have shown enhanced
body weight gain (2.7%), better feed conversion ratio (lowered by 2.8%), meat
colour and breast muscle weight (20.1%) in CLV-supplemented chicks compared
to control birds (control breast weight 19.1%). Additionally, a significant decrease
in drip loss (2.26%) from breast muscle was observed with CLV supplementation
and levels of blood total protein, albumin, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol significantly increased (P<0.05), while the levels of liver enzymes
indicative of oxidative damage (alanine aminotransferase, ALT) decreased by
23.2%, indicating better liver function. In terms of immunity, blood lymphocytes
were increased in broilers fed a diet supplemented with liquid CLV (17.9 x 103/µl)
compared with birds supplemented with dry CLV (13.5 x 103/µl). Additionally, the
levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM were elevated by 29.7%, 69.1%, and 32.3%,
respectively, in broilers that consumed feed containing CLV. Similarly, the
intestinal diversity and abundance of Lactobacillus spp. were significantly
increased (9.9 ± 1.88 and 8.99 log10 CFU/g, respectively) by dietary
supplementation with liquid CLV compared to that in non-treated chicks (8.7 ±
1.22 and 8.51 log10 CFU/g, respectively). Energy digestibility was increased
significantly by 1.29% in CLV-treated chicks compared to the control chicks.
This review highlights the fi ndin gs associ ated with the utilisat ion of CLV bioma ss as
a feed supplem ent and its effect o n br oiler grow th an d health
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