Effects of <i>Spirulina platensis</i> on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Egg Traits and Immunity Response of Japanese Quails

Abstract

In present study, two trials had been conducted to evaluate the effects of <em>Spirulina platensis </em>(SP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, egg quantity and quality traits, and immunity response of Japanese quails. In trial 1, a total number of 180 one-day-old Japanese quails were randomly assigned into 6 groups, 3 replicates with 10 quail chicks per replicate. Experimental diets including basal diet (with no additive), diet contained probiotic, and diets contained 4 levels of <em>SP</em> (2.5, 5, 10, 20 g/kg diet). In trial 2, a total number of 250 Japanese laying quails were randomly assigned into 5 groups, 5 replicates with 10 laying quails per replicate. Experimental diets included of basal diet (no additive) and diets supplemented with three levels of SP (1, 3 or 5 g/kg diet). In experiment 1, using 5 g SP/kg diet caused higher body weight gain and European production efficiency factor during 1-35 d of age (P<0.05). Using SP at the levels of 2.5 or 5 g/kg diet increased breast percentage (P<0.05). In experiment 2, using different levels of SP decreased shell thickness, albumen height, haugh unit and yolk height in laying quails (P<0.05). However, Feeding different levels of SP increased (P< 0.05) egg yolk color compared to control group linearly. Dietary supplementation of SP at levels of 3 and 5 g/kg diet decreased cholesterol level per g yolk (P<0.05). Different levels of SP caused higher levels of total antibody against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and IgG titers (P<0.05). Laying quails fed with 3 or 5 g SP/kg showed higher cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity after 12 or 24 h of phytohemagglutinin injection (P<0.05). In conclusion, we recommend using SP at the levels of 5 and 3 g/kg diet during growth and laying period of Japanese quails, respectively.