Impact of Spirulina platensis Extract Administered on Growth Performance and Economy of Growing Rabbits

This work investigated the impacts of Spirulina platensis extract administered on growth performance traits, blood biochemistry parameters, and economic evaluation in growing rabbits from 7to 12 weeks of age. Two hundred forty males from Alexandria line, aged 7 weeks and weighing an average of 829.5±11.9 g, were randomly divided into four similar groups. Orally administered Spirulina platensis extract (SPE) was given at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight daily. The 1st group was served as control (G0), the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg SPE/kg body weight (G1, G2 and G3, respectively). There was an increase (P≤0.05) in final and gain weights for the SPE groups when compared to the control. Additionally, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in the SPE groups. Interestingly, G2 recorded the highest final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), performance index (PI), and the best FCR in comparison with the other groups. Different levels of SPE caused a significant reduce (P≤0.05) in plasma creatinine, while triglycerides and urea were increased (P≤0.05); however, cholesterol was decreased (P≤0.05) in G3 when compared to the control. According to the economic evaluation, G2 treatment provided the best relative economic efficiency (REE), followed by G1, G0, and G3, respectively. All treated groups with SPE had higher (P≤0.05) net profit and net revenue than the control group. Conclusively, it can be concluded that 200 mg/kg body weight of SPE (G2) can improve productive performance and feed utilization while achieving good relative economic efficiency.