Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Technology & Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
2
Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Technology & Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
3
Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Technology &Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
4
Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza.
5
Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Technology &Development, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of spirulina algae as a growth promoter for Friesian heifers. The parameters assessed included growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and economic efficiency. Fifteen Friesian heifers, with an average weight of 215.47±9.41 kg, were divided into three groups (n=5).
The control group received a basal diet consisting of 30% concentrate feed mixture (CFM), 30% fresh berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum; FB), 20% rice straw (RS), and 20% corn silage (CS) on a dry matter basis. The second and third groups received the same basal diet but were supplemented with 2 g and 4 g of spirulina algae per head per day, respectively. The findings demonstrated significant improvements (P<0.01) in the digestibility coefficients of all nutrients, except for ether extract (EE), as well as in total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude protein (DCP) for heifers supplemented with either 2 g or 4 g of spirulina/head daily, when compared to the control group. Additionally, total body weight gain and daily weight gain were significantly higher (P<0.01) for the supplemented groups. Intakes of total dry matter (DM), TDN, and DCP were significantly greater (P<0.05) in the spirulina-supplemented groups than in the control group. Furthermore, the feed conversion rate improved (P<0.05) in heifers fed diet supplemented with spirulina. Economic efficiency was higher (P<0.05) in heifers receiving either 2 g or 4 g of spirulina daily compared to the control group.
In conclusion, supplementing the diet of growing Friesian heifers with 4 g of spirulina per head per day significantly improved body weight gain, nutrient digestibility, feed conversion, and economic efficiency. Further research with larger sample sizes and higher spirulina doses is recommended to fully assess its potential as a growth promoter and optimize nutritional utilization in growing Friesian heifers.
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