Dietary supplementation of microalgae mitigates the negative effects of heat stress in broilers

Algae as an alternative source of protein in poultry diets for sustainable production and disease resistance: present status and future considerations

“…Abdel-Moneim et al ( 42 ) found that supplementing Spirulina species with selenium nanoparticles improved antioxidant activities and growth performance in heat-stressed broiler chicks. The modulatory effects of Spirulina antioxidation ( 48 ) may be related to carotenoids, B vitamins, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and non-starch polysaccharides such as beta-glucans in algae ( 4 ). Agustini et al ( 40 ) found that dried Spirulina contains high bioactive compounds (i.e., phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids and steroids), which contribute to its high antioxidant activity.…”

“…Adding Spirulina platensis to broiler feed significantly improved the levels of specific gut bacteria like Ruminococcus, Oscillospira, Lactobacillus, Oscillobacter, Flavonifractor, and Colidextribacter, which are known for producing volatile fatty acids. This inclusion contributes to the better formation of healthy gut microbiota in chickens ( 4 ). Furthermore, algae supplementation was linked to improved gut health and systemic immune responses in the first seven days following Eimeria exposure ( 53 ).…”

“…Feeding Spirulina sp. at 5% to diets of broiler chickens improved immunological measures, which improved cellular and humoral immunity as well as the formation of healthy gut microbiota ( 4 ). Though published research consistently points to microalgae as a source of these active compounds, their composition and consequent effects on health outcomes, such as host immunity and intestinal integrity ( 5 , 6 ), are not reported.…”

“…Abdel-Moneim et al ( 42 ) reported that supplementing Spirulina species with selenium nanoparticles improved immunoglobulins and antibody titers against Newcastle disease. Comparatively, more focus has been placed on the immune-modulating properties of spirulina as a feed supplement in chicken that may enhance disease resistance and improve survival and growth rates, particularly under stressful conditions ( 4 ). Additionally, in the first seven days after exposure to Eimeria, algae supplementation was connected to enhanced gut health and systemic immune responses ( 58 ).…”

“…Algae are recommended as feed additives due to their high levels of macro-and micro-elements and ability to improve the growth performance, feed efficiency, and meat quality of broilers ( 3 ), which is primarily due to properties of polysaccharides that can increase the health and productivity of chickens. Feeding Spirulina to broiler chickens improved immunological measures, which improved cellular and humoral immunity as well as the formation of healthy gut microbiota ( 4 ). While existing literature consistently highlights microalgae as a rich source of bioactive compounds, their specific composition and subsequent impact on health outcomes—such as host immunity and intestinal integrity—require comprehensive investigation ( 5 , 6 ).…”