Biomass of Spirulina maxima enriched by biosorption process as a new feed supplement for laying hens

This paper presents the novel application of biosorption process as a method of enrichment of valuable biomass of Spirulina maxima to obtain new feed additives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of microalgae enriched with Cu(II) and Fe(II) supplementation on the performance, egg traits and microelements content of eggs of laying hens. Birds were fed with a basal diet, supplemented with or without the microalgal biomass enriched with microelements. The biomass of S. maxima was enriched via the biosorption process involving Cu(II) and Fe(II) ions. The color of egg yolk as well as the contents of micro- and macroelements were analyzed. The major effect of this experimental diet on the nutrient composition of eggs was determined. Eggs fortified in Fe, Zn and Mn were obtained. The content of Fe, Zn and Mn in the egg albumen was higher in comparison with the control group, respectively by 860%, (p < 0.001), 113% (p < 0.001) and 195% (p < 0.001). The experimental diet did not affect the organoleptic properties of feed as well as feed conversion rate. Egg shell strength was improved by 7.5% (p < 0.05) and the effect of lower number of cracked eggs (by 14%) was noted.