EFFECTS OF DUNALIELLA SALINA AS A FEED SUPPLEMENT ON PERFORMANCE, ANTIOXIDANTS, AND IMMUNITY OF POULTRY

Algae have become a prominent topic of discussion due to their rich content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and antioxidant pigments, such as β-carotene. Research indicates that incorporating microalgae into animal feed could help in lowering blood cholesterol, enhancing immunity function, improving the quantity and quality of poultry products, and enhancing resistance against diseases through antimicrobial attributes. Additionally, microalgae contribute to the better digestive system condition and function, promote microflora colonization, and improve nutrient absorption. Among the most important carotenoid-producing microalgae species, Dunaliella salina stands out as a primary natural source of β-carotene, making it highly valuable in nutrition, medicine, and cosmetics. β-carotene accounts for approximately 10–14% of its dry weight. Moreover, Dunaliella salina is packed with essential nutrients, including minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, pigments lipids, and proteins. It also contains all essential amino acids, along with several non-essential ones, further enhancing its nutritional and functional significance. Studies have demonstrated that diets enriched with D. salina improve blood lipid profiles by reducing cholesterol synthesis and absorption in the digestive system. This leads to lower levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and LD, while increasing HDL levels in animals. Additionally, D. salina may function as a digestive enzyme activator, particularly by stimulating pancreatic lipase, which is crucial for breaking down triglycerides and releasing fatty acids into the intestine. The cholesterol-lowering effect of D. salina may be attributed to its ability to either reduce dietary cholesterol absorption in the gut or interfere with cholesterol biosynthesis pathways. In this review, we will discuss the biochemical content of Dunaliella salina and its uses as antioxidants, immunostitmulant and growth promoters in poultry nutrition.