Effect of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on growth, haematology and serum metabolites in Barbari kids

Abstract

Astudy was conducted to examine the effect of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) supplementation on growth and blood profile in Barbari kids. Eighteen male Barbari kids (3–4 months-old with average body weight of 9.02±0.25 kg) were divided into three groups as control (Gr 1) and treatment groups (Gr 2 and Gr 3). All the animals were fed with complete pellet feed made up of bengal gram straw and concentrate mixture in 60: 40 ratio. In Gr 1, spirulina was not supplemented. In Gr 2 and Gr 3, spirulina was supplemented @ 0.25% and 0.50% of dry matter intake (DMI), respectively. Feeding trial was conducted for 90 days. Fortnightly body weights and dry matter intake were recorded. Blood samples were collected at 0, 45th and 90th days of experimental feeding. Average daily gain and dry matter intake were similar in all the three groups. Feed conversion ratio was improved non-significantly in Gr 3 (8.94) as compared to Gr 1 (10.69) and Gr 2 (9.82). There was non-significant effect of spirulina supplementation on haematobiochemical characters. Serum calcium and phosphorus were similar between control and treatment groups. From the present study, it was concluded that supplementation of spirulina @ 0.25 and 0.50% of DMI had non-significant effect on growth and blood profile of Barbari kids.