Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2022
Keywords
broilers; algae; low crude protein; performance; processing
Abstract
Apart from soybean meal, alternative sources of protein are a long-term concern facing commercial broiler producers. These alternative protein sources must be rich in protein, have a balanced amino acid profile, be highly digestible, be nutritionally safe for the bird, and ideally contain some other intrinsic value. Spirulina platensis is a microalgae that is growing in popularity due to its high protein level, health benefits, and environmental impact. Two experiments (in female and male Ross 708 broilers) were conducted to determine the effect of Spirulina inclusion in reduced crude protein diets on broiler growth, carcass yields, breast fillet color, breast myopathy, and footpad quality. The results showed that lowering crude protein impaired carcass yield in both experiments, while hindering growth performance more in male birds than female birds. Spirulina inclusion at 10% in a reduced protein diet improved footpad score in male broilers and increased meat and skin pigmentation in all birds. The inclusion of Spirulina into a commercial setting will always be driven by costs, but this study aids in expanding fundamental research to make that possible.
Citation
Mullenix, G. J., Maynard, C. J., Owens, C. M., Rochell, S. J., Bottje, W. G., Brister, R. D., & Kidd, M. T. (2022). Spirulina platensis Meal Inclusion Effects on Broilers Fed a Reduced Protein Diet. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 31 (1), 100199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2021.100199
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
