Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Spirulina on Health Status, Growth Performance, and Slaughter Traits in Quails

The supplementation of sustainable alternative sources such as nutrient-rich algae, especially rich in proteins, in animal feed is a promising and innovative strategy to improve feed autonomy, especially in poultry diets. This study evaluated the effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation on growth performance and slaughter characteristics in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 180 unsexed, 2-day-old quail chicks with a mean body weight of 9 ± 1.42 g were randomly assigned to three dietary groups, each containing 60 quails. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups, with 15 quails in each (4 repetitions per group). Three groups were provided with commercial diets (starter, grower, and finisher) for five weeks. These diets were supplemented with Spirulina at concentrations of 0.5 g/kg (SP0.5), and 1 g/kg (SP1), while the control group (SP0) received no Spirulina supplementation. Growth performance was monitored, and at the end of the trial (35 d), 60 quails (20 per group) were slaughtered for carcass evaluation including hot and cold carcass weight and liver weight. Results showed that Spirulina supplementation at 1 g/kg (SP1) significantly increased feed intake and weight gain compared to the control and SP0.5 groups. Significant differences in growth performance and feed intake were observed between the Spirulina-supplemented groups (0.5 and 1 g/kg) and the control group. Carcass characteristics, including hot carcass yield and liver weight, were significantly higher in the SP0.5 and SP1 groups compared to the control group (SP0). In conclusion, supplementing quail diets with 0.5 and 1 g/kg Spirulina improved growth performance and carcass quality without negative effects on overall performance. This supplementation can be considered as a cost-effective diet ingredient for enhancing meat quality in quail production.