Effect on supplementation of Spirulina maxima enriched with Cu on production performance, metabolical and physiological parameters in fattening pigs

In this paper, the effect of addition of the biomass of Spirulina maxima enriched with copper (Sm-Cu) to the animal feed is discussed. The biomass was cultivated in the photobioreactor with the capacity of 10 m(3). After the biosorption process, the enriched biomass was investigated as the source of valuable nutrients. The feeding experiment was conducted for 87 days. The study was performed in individual rearing pens, with controlled microclimate, feed and water were available semi-ad libitum. Piglets (24) were divided into two groups (control and experimental). The experimental group was fed with addition of the biomass of Sm-Cu instead of inorganic salts. There were no statistically significant differences between the average daily and periodic weight gain, daily and periodic feed collection, as well as feed conversion ratio. There were no statistically significant differences between the amount of N excreted in faeces and urine, when considering the retention of N, both in relation to the consumed N, and relative N digested which was at a similar level. In the experimental group in comparison to the control group, the lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 17.05 % (P < 0.05) and total cholesterol by 9.43 % (P < 0.05) were observed. Additionally, the increase of parameter a* of 13 % (P < 0.05) and the reduction of the natural leakage by 34 % (P < 0.05) were found.