Effects of Amphora Algae on Productive Performance and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

Microalgae, especially Amphora coffeaeformis (A. coffeaeformis), are introduced to poultry diets, mainly as a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic (EPA (and docosahexaenoic (DHA). This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of A. coffeaeformis on broiler chickens’ productive performance, physiological status, and immune response. A total of 180 (Ross 508) broiler chickens aged one day were wing banded and randomly divided into three treatments and a control group according to the form of A. coffeaeformis, with 45 chickens each. Each treatment had three replicates (15 chickens for each replicate). Chickens from the three treatments were fed a diet supplemented with A. coffeaeformis algae at levels of 0.15, 0.45, and 0.75% of the diet from the first week to the fifth weeks of age. The obtained results indicated a significant difference in live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), and growth rate (GR) at the different experimental periods due to the effects of A. coffeaeformis treatments compared to the control group. Chickens fed basal diet and diet with A. coffeaeformis at levels of 0.45%, and 0.75% significantly increased LBW, BWG, and GR% at all intervals (1-3), (3-5), and (1-5) weeks of age compared to A. coffeaeformis algae at levels of 0.15%. Chickens fed a diet supplemented with A. coffeaeformis 0.45% and AC 0.75% recorded higher plasma total protein insignificantly, albumin significantly, at five weeks of age compared to the other A. coffeaeformis treatments and control group. Moreover, the lower levels of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and significantly higher levels of plasma HDL were found at a basal diet supplemented by A. coffeaeformis 0.15% and the control group. Also, AC 0.15% and A. coffeaeformis 0.45% recorded insignificantly lower plasma levels of Glutathione and Superproxedase (58.55 and 71.43 mg/l, respectively) when compared with other A. coffeaeformis treatments and control group. Dietary supplementation of chickens’ feed with A. coffeaeformis microalgae can promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (microbiota).