Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the diet of broiler chickens 10% Sargassum sp. on their productive performance, gut health, and immune status.
The study was conducted in Maracay, Venezuela, and involved 264 Ross broilers distributed between two treatments (control and 10% Sargassum sp.) over three phases (Pre-starter, Starter, and Finisher). A one-way Analysis of Variance design was used, with three replicates of 44 birds.
The inclusion of Sargassum sp. did not significantly affect the final body weight (p > 0.05) (2759.34 vs. 2743.88 g for the control). However, the Sargassum sp. diet demonstrated two noteworthy benefits: it drastically improved the feed conversion ratio in all the phases (e.g., 1.07 vs. 1.53 in the Finisher) and considerably reduced mortality in the Pre-starter phase (6.82 vs. 20.25% for the control). The blood analysis demonstrated a positive hypocholesterolemic effect, with the Sargassum sp. treatment normalizing cholesterol levels and potentially reducing total lipids. However, the drinking water analysis revealed some quality issues (no residual chlorine, high nitrate levels), suggesting a high-stress environment and its possible influence on the overall health and performance results.
The inclusion of 10% Sargassum sp. in the broiler diet improved feed efficiency and early viability in broilers, although its growth-promoting effects may be limited by antinutritional factors (high ash) at this inclusion level.

Keywords

Sargassum sp., broilers, productivity, hematology, blood biochemistry, macroalgae, water

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