Interventional clinical trial on mitigating endemic fluorosis in pregnant and lactating ewes with Spirulina platensis and its impact on lamb production traits.

Abstract

This interventional clinical trial aimed to assess the potential impact of Spirulina platensis supplementation on pregnant and lactating ewes living in a Moroccan endemic fluorosis area. Forty-eight ewes were divided into four equal groups: Groups I and II served as controls belonging respectively to fluorosis-free and endemic fluorosis areas, Groups III and IV received respectively 250 and 500 mg*kg-1 BW/day of S. platensis, during late pregnancy and early lactation. The results revealed that ewes reared in fluorosis-free areas exhibited significantly lower plasma fluoride and significantly higher haemoglobin levels compared to endemic fluorosis areas (P < 0.0001). However, supplementation with 500 mg*kg-1 BW*day-1 of S. platensis significantly improved these two parameters compared to Group II (P < 0.0001). Ewes in the endemic area also displayed increased oxidative stress (P < 0.05), characterized by decreased ascorbic acid levels and catalase activity, as well as elevated levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. Supplementation with 500 mg*kg-1 BW*day-1 of S. platensis enhanced the antioxidant status (P < 0.05) by increasing ascorbic acid levels and catalase activity and decreasing levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde. Moreover, this dose yielded similar average daily gains compared to lambs of ewes living in fluorosis-free area. In conclusion, S. platensis may serve as a promising solution for addressing endemic fluorosis in pregnant and lactating ewes.