Effects of dietary Uronema sp. on the growth performance, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens

Poultry meat and eggs are significant sources of high-quality protein globally. With feed costs representing 60-75% of poultry production expenses, rising corn and soybean meal (SBM) prices have prompted exploration of alternative ingredients. One promising alternative is microalgae biomass, which contains dietary energy and indispensable amino acids, but also can be a source of carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, and antioxidants. This study evaluated a green, filamentous microalgae ( Uronema sp . ) as a novel feed ingredient for broiler chickens. A total of 360 one-day-old Ross 708 broilers were randomly assigned to one of three isonitrogenous, isoenergetic corn-SBM diets containing 0%, 2.5%, or 5% microalgae. Each treatment had 8 replicate pens (1.2 m²), with 15 birds per pen. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Body mass and feed intake were measured weekly for 6-weeks. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA with diet as the main effect, week as the repeat, and pen as the experimental unit. No significant difference in body mass was observed until weeks 5 and 6, when birds fed 5% Uronema sp. weighed more than controls. Average daily gain was greatest in the 5% treatment and lowest in the control. Feed intake and overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ among treatments. These findings support Uronema sp. as a promising feed ingredient for broilers. Because the biomass was experimentally produced and no commercial price was available, diet cost was not assessed. Additional research is needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of Uronema sp. under commercial-scale production conditions and its potential as a premium feed ingredient for poultry.