Objectives: Lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal, is a serious concern for poultry that negatively affects their productivity and health. To combat those issues efficiently, it is necessary to include feed supplements that have rich antioxidant properties for satisfactory health and productivity. Spirulina platensis (Sp), a microalgae, is a compound that provides several health benefits for humans and animals. This study explores that supplementation of Sp in diet as well as in water reduces the burden of Pb in different tissues, improves hematology, and improves the productive performance of advanced-age laying hens.
Materials and methods: Forty birds were separated into four groups: the control (C), Spirulina (Sp), Pb, and (Pb + Sp) groups. The Pb group was given Pb acetate at a dose of 2 gm/l in water ad libitum for 4 weeks. Sp group was fed Sp at a dose of 4 gm/kg feed. The Pb + Sp group was given Pb and Sp as in the previous groups.
Results: Productive performance and hematology such as hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) concentration, and MCH were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in Pb-treated groups compared to controls. The distribution of Pb concentration was highest in the bones and lowest in the gizzard. However, Sp treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the productive performance and the hematological parameters. Moreover, Pb concentration in different organs significantly decreased in the group treated with Sp.
Conclusion: This study indicates that Sp can possibly be used as a natural and powerful dietary additive to mitigate heavy metal intoxication in chickens, thereby being efficient and effective for production.
Key words: Spirulina; hematology; lead toxicity; laying hen
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