Researchers tested whether a natural supplement made from spirulina algae could help chickens grow better and stay healthier. They fed 320 young chickens different amounts of this algae supplement over six weeks. The results showed that chickens receiving the right amount of spirulina grew faster, converted their food into body weight more efficiently, and had better quality meat with improved texture. The supplement also boosted the chickens’ natural defense systems against cell damage. This research suggests spirulina could be a safe, natural alternative to antibiotics used in chicken farming, potentially improving both animal health and the quality of meat we eat.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a natural powder made from spirulina algae could help chickens grow better, stay healthier, and produce better quality meat
- Who participated: 320 young chickens (one day old), split equally into five groups. Each group received different amounts of spirulina supplement mixed into their regular feed for six weeks
- Key finding: Chickens that received 0.30% spirulina supplement gained weight faster and converted their food into body weight more efficiently than chickens without the supplement. Higher amounts (0.45-0.60%) improved meat texture and reduced moisture loss during cooking
- What it means for you: If you eat chicken, this research suggests that spirulina supplements could improve the quality and nutritional value of the meat you purchase. However, this study was done in chickens, so more research is needed to understand all the benefits for human health
The Research Details
Researchers divided 320 healthy young chickens into five equal groups. One group ate regular chicken feed with no supplement (the control group), while the other four groups received the same feed with increasing amounts of spirulina algae powder added: 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, and 0.60%. Each group had four smaller sub-groups of 16 chickens to ensure reliable results. The chickens were fed these diets for six weeks, divided into three feeding phases: the first two weeks (starter phase), weeks three and four (grower phase), and the final two weeks (finisher phase). Researchers measured how much weight the chickens gained, how efficiently they converted food into body weight, and tested their blood and meat quality.
This type of controlled experiment is important because it allows researchers to see exactly what effect the spirulina supplement has by comparing it to chickens that didn’t receive it. By testing different amounts of the supplement, they could find the best dose. Having multiple smaller groups instead of one large group helps ensure the results aren’t due to chance or individual differences between chickens.
This study was well-designed with a clear control group and multiple treatment groups, which strengthens the reliability of the findings. The researchers tested many different outcomes (growth, blood health, meat quality, and antioxidant status) rather than just one, giving a complete picture. However, this study was conducted only in chickens, so the results may not directly apply to other animals or humans. The study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication
What the Results Show
Chickens that received 0.30% spirulina supplement showed the best overall results. These chickens gained weight faster during the final two weeks of the study (1.77 kg compared to the control group) and over the entire six-week period (2.82 kg total). They also converted their food into body weight more efficiently, meaning they needed less food to gain the same amount of weight (a ratio of 1.56 compared to higher ratios in other groups). When researchers looked at the chickens’ blood tests and examined their bodies after processing, they found no negative effects from the supplement. This is important because it shows the supplement was safe and didn’t cause any health problems. The higher doses of spirulina (0.45-0.60%) didn’t improve growth further, but they did improve meat quality in other ways, suggesting there’s an optimal amount to use.
The higher doses of spirulina (0.45-0.60%) improved the texture and quality of the chicken meat. Specifically, meat lost less moisture when cooked (34-40% loss instead of higher amounts), and the meat was firmer and held together better. The supplement also increased important amino acids in the chicken breast muscle, including threonine, histidine, isoleucine, arginine, and glutamic acid—these are building blocks that our bodies need. Most importantly, the spirulina supplement boosted the chickens’ natural antioxidant defense systems. Antioxidants are like cellular bodyguards that protect our cells from damage. The supplement increased levels of three key antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) and decreased harmful molecules called malondialdehyde that cause cell damage. These improvements increased with higher doses of spirulina, showing a dose-dependent effect.
This research builds on growing interest in finding natural alternatives to antibiotics in animal farming. Previous studies have shown that algae-based supplements can have health benefits, but this is one of the first detailed studies examining spirulina specifically in chickens. The findings align with what scientists know about spirulina’s prebiotic properties (it feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut) and antioxidant compounds. The results are consistent with other research showing that natural plant-based supplements can improve animal health without the risks associated with antibiotic use.
This study was conducted only in chickens, so we cannot directly assume the same benefits would occur in humans or other animals. The researchers didn’t test whether the improved antioxidant status in chickens actually translates to health benefits for people who eat the meat. The study lasted only six weeks, which is the typical lifespan for meat chickens, but we don’t know if the benefits would continue longer. The research doesn’t explain exactly which compounds in the spirulina are responsible for the benefits, only that the whole supplement works. Finally, this was a preliminary study, so more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best way to use spirulina in commercial chicken farming
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, spirulina polysaccharides at 0.30-0.45% of chicken feed appear to be safe and effective for improving chicken growth and meat quality. The evidence is moderate because this is one study in chickens, not humans. If you’re involved in chicken farming or food production, this suggests spirulina could be a promising natural alternative to antibiotics. For consumers, this research indicates that chicken raised with spirulina supplementation may have better nutritional quality, though more research is needed to confirm health benefits for people eating the meat
Poultry farmers and the chicken industry should pay attention to these findings as a potential way to improve their products naturally. Food companies interested in producing higher-quality chicken products may find this useful. Consumers concerned about antibiotic use in farming might appreciate this natural alternative. However, if you have a spirulina allergy or sensitivity, you should be aware that spirulina-supplemented chicken products may contain trace amounts. This research doesn’t directly apply to people with specific health conditions unless they’re involved in food production
In chickens, the benefits appeared within six weeks of feeding the supplement. If this were applied to human consumption, you wouldn’t see immediate personal health benefits from eating spirulina-supplemented chicken—the benefits would be more about long-term nutritional quality. More research is needed to understand if eating meat from spirulina-supplemented chickens would provide measurable health benefits to humans over weeks or months
Want to Apply This Research?
- If tracking poultry farming practices, users could log the percentage of spirulina supplement added to feed (0.30-0.45% recommended) and track corresponding metrics like average weight gain per bird, feed conversion ratio, and meat quality scores over the 6-week growing period
- For farmers using the app: implement spirulina supplementation at 0.30% of feed ration and monitor weekly weight gains and feed consumption. For consumers: identify and purchase chicken products from farms using natural spirulina supplementation and track your consumption of these products to support sustainable farming practices
- Track spirulina supplementation consistency (daily adherence to dosage), monitor chicken growth metrics weekly (weight gain, feed efficiency), conduct blood work at key intervals (weeks 2, 4, 6), and assess final meat quality metrics (cooking loss percentage, texture scores). For long-term monitoring, establish baseline antioxidant status measurements and track changes over multiple production cycles
This research was conducted in chickens and has not been tested in humans. While the findings suggest spirulina polysaccharides are safe for poultry, individual results may vary based on specific farming conditions, chicken breeds, and feed quality. This study provides preliminary evidence and should not be considered definitive medical or nutritional advice for human consumption. Farmers considering implementing spirulina supplementation should consult with veterinary nutritionists and follow local agricultural regulations. Consumers should not self-supplement with spirulina based solely on this poultry research without consulting healthcare providers, as human studies are needed to confirm benefits and safety. This research does not replace professional veterinary or medical advice.