Effect of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on growth performance, egg production, egg quality, fatty acid profile, and hematobiochemical indices in guinea fowl

This study investigates the influence of dietary spirulina (SP) on growth performance, egg production, egg quality, fatty acid profile, and hemato-biochemical profile of guinea fowl. A Total of 120 guinea fowl (GF) at 12 weeks of age were randomly allocated into four groups with five replicates (male-female ratio = 2:4). Animals were provided with four different diets over the 12-30 week trial: a corn-based basal diet for the control group (T₀) and basal diets with 1 % (T₁), 2 % (T₂), and 3 % (T₃) SP for the other three groups. Growth and egg production were measured weekly. The physical parameters of the egg were examined at the 24th, 27th^, and 30th weeks, and the fatty acid profiles were assessed at the end of the experiment. Final body weight and weight of the 1st laid eggs were significantly higher in T₁ and T₂ groups, where FCR was significantly improved in the T2 group compared to the control (P < 0.05). Egg weight was significantly increased in T₁ and T₂ group and shell thickness improved (P < 0.05) in all SP-treated groups at 27th and 30th weeks, where the Haugh unit was lower in T₂ compared to control at 27th and 30th weeks. Egg yolk color was significantly higher at 2 % and 3 % SP at 27th week and all SP-treated groups at 30th week. Groups T₂ and T₃ revealed an increase in serum albumin (P = 0.001). In group T₂, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) has increased significantly, and total serum cholesterol decreased (P < 0.05). Monounsaturated fatty acids increased significantly, whereas the omega-6/omega-3 ratio decreased in T₂. Polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly increased in both T₁ and T₂ groups compared to the control. The atherogenic index decreased in T2, and the thrombogenic index decreased in all SP-treated groups compared with the control. In conclusion, supplementation of 2 % SP with the basal diet made optimal improvements in growth performance, biochemical profile, egg physical quality, and fatty acid profile of guinea fowl eggs.