Protective effects of Spirulina platensis on cadmium-induced hematobiochemical and histopathological alterations in broiler chickens

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that contaminates the environment and food chain, leading to severe health implications in poultry. This study investigates the protective effects of Spirulina platensis against Cd-induced hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and meat quality alterations in broiler chickens. A total of 100 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: Control, cadmium (Cd)-treated (75 mg/kg/day), spirulina treated (2 g/kg/day), and a combined Cd + spirulina-treated group. Exposure to cadmium led to a significant reduction in body weight, disruption of hematological profiles, elevation of liver and kidney enzyme levels, and deterioration of meat quality traits. However, co-administration of spirulina effectively mitigated these adverse effects by restoring hematological and biochemical parameters, reducing tissue cadmium accumulation, and improving both histopathological features and meat quality. Based on the findings, Spirulina platensis demonstrates notable potential in alleviating cadmium-related health impairments in broiler chickens.