In a significant stride towards sustainable poultry farming, researchers have demonstrated that natural dietary supplements can effectively modulate gut microbiota and enhance systemic physiology in broiler chickens, potentially reducing the reliance on antibiotics. Published in the *Journal of Applied Poultry Research*, the study led by Waleed Alhujaili from Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, explored the impacts of lactic acid (LAC) and spirulina (SPR) on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant status, and cecal microbiota in broilers.
The research involved 360 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks, divided into six groups with varying dietary treatments, including a control group, an antibiotic group, and groups supplemented with different levels of LAC and SPR. The findings revealed that while there were no significant differences in live body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or performance index among most treatments, the group supplemented with 1 g of spirulina per kilogram of diet (SPR 1) showed improved feed conversion ratio during the first 21 days.
One of the most notable findings was the impact of LAC and SPR on blood parameters. “LAC and SPR supplementation significantly reduced total protein and albumin levels compared to the control and antibiotic groups,” Alhujaili explained. Additionally, the study observed lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, as well as urea and creatinine levels, in the groups supplemented with higher doses of LAC and SPR. This suggests a potential improvement in liver and kidney function.
The study also highlighted the antioxidant benefits of spirulina. “Spirulina supplementation at different levels increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, along with glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, compared with the control, antibiotic, and LAC treatments,” Alhujaili noted. This indicates that spirulina can enhance the antioxidant status and overall physiological resilience of broilers.
In terms of gut health, the study found that dietary inclusion of 2 g of LAC per kilogram of diet improved microbial balance by promoting beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli. Meanwhile, 1 g of SPR per kilogram of diet was found to enhance antioxidant status and organ function. These findings suggest that natural dietary supplements can play a crucial role in promoting gut health and overall physiological well-being in broilers.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. As the agriculture sector continues to seek sustainable and effective alternatives to antibiotics, the use of natural dietary supplements like LAC and SPR could offer a viable solution. By improving gut health and antioxidant status, these supplements can enhance the overall productivity and resilience of broiler chickens, leading to better economic outcomes for farmers.
This study not only provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of natural dietary supplements but also paves the way for further research in this area. As the agriculture sector continues to evolve, the integration of such innovative approaches could revolutionize poultry farming, promoting sustainability and efficiency. The findings published in the *Journal of Applied Poultry Research* underscore the importance of exploring natural alternatives to antibiotics and highlight the potential of LAC and SPR in enhancing the health and productivity of broiler chickens.