Extruded Spirulina and enzyme supplementation modulate hepatic proteome and metabolism in broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
• Proteomics
• Algal Biotechnology

Background:

• Limnospira platensis (Spirulina) offers nutritional benefits, but its impact on broiler liver proteome, especially with processing and high inclusion, is not well understood.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing poultry feed formulations and improving bird health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of unprocessed and processed Spirulina on the broiler liver proteome.
• To determine how extrusion and enzyme treatment influence Spirulina's impact on liver protein expression.

Main Methods:

• Four dietary treatments were compared: control, unprocessed Spirulina (SP), extruded Spirulina (SPE), and extruded Spirulina with enzymes (SPEM), all at 15% inclusion.
• Hepatic proteomic profiling was employed to identify significant changes in protein abundance (P < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Twenty-five proteins showed significant abundance changes. Proteins involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism decreased in Spirulina-fed groups.
• Proteins related to carbohydrate catabolism and mitochondrial energy production increased, particularly in extruded Spirulina groups (SPE and SPEM).
• Extrusion and enzyme treatment enhanced these proteomic shifts, indicating improved nutrient bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Spirulina supplementation, especially when processed, reprograms broiler liver metabolism towards increased glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
• These metabolic adaptations suggest potential improvements in hepatic function, growth performance, and overall metabolic health in poultry.
• Targeted processing of Spirulina presents a novel strategy for developing functional poultry feed.