Administration of Dietary Microalgae Ameliorates Intestinal Parameters, Improves Body Weight, and Reduces Thawing Loss of Fillets in Broiler Chickens: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot investigation aimed at studying the feasibility of using a low dose (0.2%) of dietary microalgae as a means of improving intestinal morphometry, body weight, and selected meat quality parameters in broilers. A total of 72 one-day-old ROSS 308 male chicks were randomly separated into four groups; three experimental pens in which the birds were fed with biomass from Tysochrysis lutea, Tetraselmis chuii, and Porphyridium cruentum over 30 days and a control group. T. chuii and P. cruentum had a positive effect with regard to body weight. In treated animals, duodenal and ileal sections showed characteristic tall and thin villi, with serrated surfaces and goblet cell differentiation. In both sections, values of the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio were increased by microalgae ingestion. The thawing weight loss of fillets was reduced in T. chuii-fed animals. The positive effects exerted by T. chuii and P. cruentum on intestinal architecture were associated with the improved body weight. Arguably, these outcomes exhibit the potential of using these species to enhance growth performance in broiler chickens by promoting gut homeostasis and thus nutrient absorption.

Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum Administration on Intestinal Morphometry and Antibody Serum Levels in Salmonella-Infantis-Challenged Chickens

“…Intestinal epithelial cells are considered crucial constituents of the gut ecosystem as they not only partake in protection against invading pathogens but are also involved in nutrient acquisition [ 43 , 44 ]. Alternatives to improve intestinal architecture have been tested with success, including plant extracts, microalgae biomass, or probiotics [ 24 , 45 , 46 ]. Salmonella serovars, including S .…”

Effect of a microencapsulated phyto/phycogenic blend supplementation on growth performance, processing parameters, meat quality, and sensory profile in male broilers

“…Although it was not studied in combination with phytogenics, increasing number of investigations have shown that dietary administration of algae alone improved also growth performances in poultry ( 2 , 25 , 56–58 ). Here, it is clear that the encapsulated phytogenic-phycogenic combination synergistically improved growth performance in broilers, and therefore its underlying mechanism warrants further in-depth investigations.…”

Effects of microalgae, with or without xylanase supplementation, on growth performance, organs development, and gut health parameters of broiler chickens

“…The improvement of villi height results in the better absorption of nutrients, and as a result, the study found a significant improvement in BW gain. A study on broiler chickens with different microalgae species ( Tysochrysis lutea, Tetraselmis chuii, Porphyridium cruentum ) also reported the improvement of gut morphology, especially of duodenum and ileum ( Šefcová et al, 2021 ). The potential reason for the improvement in gut morphology in the study might be due to the presence of oligosaccharides in A. platensis .…”