Effect of Feeding 0.8% Dried Powdered Chlorella vulgaris Biomass on Growth Performance, Immune Response, and Intestinal Morphology during Grower Phase in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

An experiment was performed to study the effects of a low inclusion level of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) biomass in broiler diets on performance, immune response related to inflammatory status, and the intestinal histomorphology. The study was performed with 120 Ross 308 male broiler chickens from 0–35 days of age. The broilers were housed in 12 floor pens (1.5 m2) bedded with wood shavings. The broilers received a three phase diet program, either with 0.8% CV biomass (CV) or without CV (CON). Each diet program was replicated in six pens. The final body weight increased (p = 0.053), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR), corrected for body weight, was reduced (p = 0.02) in birds fed CV compared to birds fed CON. In addition, decreased haptoglobins (p = 0.02) and interleukin-13 (p < 0.01) responses were observed during the grower phase of birds fed CV compared to the birds fed CON. A strong correlation (r = 0.82, p < 0.01) was observed between haptoglobin response and FCR. Histomorphology parameters of the jejunum were not different between the groups. It was concluded that the inclusion of 0.8% CV biomass in broiler diets is effective in influencing immune responses related to inflammatory status and promoting broiler growth.

Intestinal Immune Cell Populations, Barrier Function, and Microbiomes in Broilers Fed a Diet Supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris

“…Nevertheless, the results of the present study indicate that dietary supplementation with CV may not improve intestinal morphology in the early stages of broiler chickens. However, Roques et al noted that CV supplementation may improve broiler performance by alleviating the immune system rather than improving nutrient absorption [29], which is consistent with the findings of the current study.…”

Enhancing Digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris Biomass in Monogastric Diets: Strategies and Insights

“…Roques et al [ 62 ] also evaluated the effect of 0.8% dried powder CV in broiler diets on growth performance, immune response, and intestinal morphology. The study found that the inclusion of CV at this level had a positive impact on overall broiler performance and they maintained a strong immune response.…”

“…As described by Roques et al [ 62 ] and Kang et al [ 63 ], the small intestine, particularly the jejunum, plays a crucial role in digestive processes, such as enzyme digestion and nutrient uptake. The villus height reflects the surface area available for nutrient absorption, while the crypt depth indicates the rate of cell removal in the villi.…”

“…The villus height reflects the surface area available for nutrient absorption, while the crypt depth indicates the rate of cell removal in the villi. A deeper crypt can suggest faster tissue turnover, which may be the organism’s response to counteract the effects of harmful toxins [ 62 , 63 ]. A decreased villus height to crypt depth ratio is an indication of improved digestive efficiency in the small intestine [ 63 ].…”