Effects ofSpirulina platensisandAmphora coffeaeformisas dietary supplements on blood biochemical parameters, intestinal microbial population, and productive performance in broiler chickens

Spirulina platensis(Sp) orAmphora coffeaeformis(Am) are good candidates as an in-feed antibiotic substitute for broilers. This work was performed to investigate the effects ofSpandAmon the growth performance, intestinal microbial population, physiological responses, and blood biochemical constituents in broiler chickens. Fifty-one-day old Cobb broilers (with initial body weights 50-55 g) were allocated to five groups. Each treatment group had five replicate pens with two birds each. The experiments lasted for 35 days. The 1st group had basal diet (control group). The 2nd and 3rd groups received basal diet, along with 5- or 10-g/kgSpas a feed ingredient, respectively. While the 4th and 5th groups received basal diet, along with 5- or 10-g/kgAmas a feed ingredient, respectively. Data analysis revealed significantly higher body weight gains (P <= 0.05) with higherSporAmlevels and, in turn, linear improvements (P <= 0.05) in feed conversion values. In addition, intestinalLactobacillussp. was increased, andEscherichia colipopulations were decreased by both dietarySplevels orAmlevels. Furthermore, the liver (% body weight) was significantly decreased (P <= 0.05) and the heart (% body weight) was significantly increased (P <= 0.05) with higherSporAmlevels in comparison with untreated control. In conclusion, dietary inclusion with 10 g/kg ofSpandAmcould improve the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal microbial population in broiler chickens.