Evaluation of Spirulina platensis as a Feed Additive in Low-Protein Diets of Broilers

<i>Spirulina platensis</i> is a natural antioxidant product that has the ability to improve the performance of poultry. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of using <i>Spirulina platensis</i> as a feed additive in broiler diets. A total of 252 daily male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to six groups. There were two different protein groups: one was at the catalog protein value, and the other was reduced by 10%. <i>Spirulina platensis</i> at 0, 0.1, and 0.2% was added to each protein group. The trial lasted 41 days. Reducing the protein level by 10% had a negative impact on the performance of the chicks. However, <i>Spirulina platensis</i> supplementation had a positive effect on the feed conversion ratio, reduced the oxidative stress index in the chicks' liver and meat, increased the total antioxidant status and antioxidant enzyme activities, improved the villus height, serum IgG, and some bone parameters, and reduced the serum triglyceride concentration. The carcass yield, visceral organ weight percentages, total phenolic content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the thigh meat and some serum biochemical parameters were not affected by the usage of <i>Spirulina platensis</i>. In conclusion, 0.1% <i>Spirulina platensis</i> could be a feasible feed additive in low-protein diets due to eliciting an improved performance, antioxidant status, and immune response in broilers.