The effects of microalgae (Tetradesmus obliquus, Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris) on the nutritional profile of broiler meat

A. Freiberga¹, A. Ilgaza¹, S. Jonova¹, S. Eglite¹, D. Gorbacevska¹, A. Plivca¹, K. Neiberts², M. Zolovs³⁴ and P. Semjonovs²

¹Latvia University of Life Science and Technologies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, K. Helmana street 8, LV-3004 Jelgava, Latvia
²University of Latvia, Institute of Biology, Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology, O. Vaciesa street 4, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
³Statistics Unit, Riga Stradins University, Balozu street 14, Riga, Latvia
⁴Daugavpils University, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Department of Biosystematics, Vienibas street 13, LV-5401 Daugavpils, Latvia
*Correspondence: Correspondence: anete.freiberga@lbtu.lv

Abstract:

This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with three edible microalgae species (Tetradesmus obliquus, Spirulina platensis, and Chlorella vulgaris) on the nutritional profile of broiler chicken meat. Ross 308 broilers were fed a standard diet enriched with 0.5% of one of the microalgae species over a 43-day fattening period. Meat samples from the breast and thigh muscles were collected on days 35 and 43 to analyse its nutritional profile. Although no statistically significant differences were observed in growth performance, several biologically differences became apparent. C. vulgaris administration was associated with an initial increase in thigh meat fat content on day 35, followed by a notable reduction by day 43, and led to higher protein and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. However, it resulted in the highest omega-6/omega-3 ratio among the groups. S. platensis contributed to a more favorable fatty acid profile, with the lowest omega-6/omega-3 ratio and increased protein levels, particularly in breast meat. T. obliquus supplementation produced leaner meat, improved vitamin B₁₂content, and maintained a more balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio by day 43, suggesting a cumulative benefit with prolonged feeding. These findings indicate that each microalga has species-specific effects on broiler meat quality, supporting their potential use as sustainable functional feed ingredients tailored to specific nutritional goals in poultry production.

Key words:

broiler, chickens, Chlorella vulgaris, edible microalgae, fatty acids, meat quality, Spirulina platensis, Tetradesmus obliquus

Cadmium-induced oxidative damage and protective action of fractioned red beet (Beta vulgaris) root juice in chickens

S. Vasiljeva¹*, G. Smirnova¹², N. Basova¹ and D. Babarykin²

¹University of Latvia, Institute of Biology, 3 Miera Str., LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
²Institute of Innovative Biomedical Technology Ltd, 2 Inchukalna Str., LV-1014 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: svetlana.vasiljeva@lu.lv

Abstract:

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous environmental bioaccumulative pollutants that affects many organs in humans and animals. Present investigation was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of fractioned red beetroot juice on Cd-induced oxidative stress in chickens. The named red beetroot juice fraction (BJF) was received by juice ultrafiltration. Per oral administration of BJF for 10 days followed by dietary Cd exposure (50 mg kg^-1 of diet) was evaluated in the in vivo experiments in chickens. The prominent increase of Cd concentration in blood plasma, liver and kidney provoked the rise of oxidative processes activity in organs. BJF treatment attenuated the Cd-induced oxidative stress. The changes of oxidative stress markers – the reduction of hepatic and kidney malondialdehyde amount, the increase of glutathionperoxidase level in liver and blood catalase activity indicated the possible antioxidative influence of BJF. Chickens exposed to Cd showed no evidence of clinical toxicity, but exhibited some features of adverse action of this heavy metal. The increase of uric acid concentration in blood serum is associated with protein catabolic processes intensified by Cd affect. Suppressive effect of Cd on the immune response in chickens manifested in alteration of cell and humoral immunity parameters. The data of the most investigated oxidative stress markers, biochemical and immunological indices in Cd-exposed chickens were almost back to the values, when received BJF per os during 10 days. Administration of fractioned red beetroot juice to Cd-treated chickens prevented the oxidative impact of this heavy metal and provided immunomodulating effect.

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