Serum concentrations of proteins and minerals in lambs artificially fed with Spirulina platensis-enriched milk

Abstract

This work had as objective to determine serum concentrations of proteins and minerals in lambs fed with Spirulina platensis-enriched milk. Thirty lambs were randomly distributed into blocks with plots subdivided into the time. Blood samples were collected fortnightly to determine the metabolic indicators. There was no interaction (P>0.05) between concentration of Spirulin and the period of administration concerning to the values of urea. However, for total proteins, it was observed interaction between concentration of Spirulina and experimental period. Total protein concentration has differed (P<0.05) at day 45 between animals that received 10 g of Spirulin and those of control group, reflecting in the increase (P<0.05) of serum albumin in the animals that received Spirulin. There was no difference (P>0.05) in the mineral concentrations among groups that received Spirulin and the control group. Supplementation with Spirulina platensis in the lambs fed with cow milk increases the nutritional status improving the performance of the animals. Keywords: Seaweed, milk, metabolism, sheep, Santa Inês breed.