Researchers from St. Petersburg University of Veterinary Medicine have found that fucoidan, a polysaccharide derived from brown algae, may offer a promising alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming. In a study involving 90 Smena-9 broiler chickens, two groups were given feed supplemented with either 100g or 200g of fucoidan per tonne. Over 35 days, the researchers observed significant improvements in immune responses, including a doubling of phagocytosis, a 26% increase in lysozyme activity, and a 19% rise in serum bactericidal activity compared to a control group. These enhancements are attributed to the strengthening of the intestinal barrier, the body’s first defense against infections. Previous studies in Russia have also shown fucoidan’s potential in boosting the immunity of laying hens, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing cellular immunity. The findings suggest that fucoidan could be a safe and effective alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming.
Could brown algae polysaccharides replace antibiotics in chicken feed?
