Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences 
Volume 41 Number 2 Article 4 
1-1-2017 
Influence of supplementing diet with microalgae (Schizochytrium 
limacinum)on growth and metabolism in lambs during the 
summer 
EKİN SUCU 
DUYGU UDUM 
NAZMİYE GÜNEŞ 
ÖNDER CANBOLAT 
İSMAİL FİLYA 
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Recommended Citation 
SUCU, EKİN; UDUM, DUYGU; GÜNEŞ, NAZMİYE; CANBOLAT, ÖNDER; and FİLYA, İSMAİL (2017) "Influence 
of supplementing diet with microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum)on growth and metabolism in lambs 
during the summer," Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences: Vol. 41: No. 2, Article 4. 
https://doi.org/10.3906/vet-1606-65 
Available at: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/veterinary/vol41/iss2/4 
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Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Turk J Vet Anim Sci
(2017) 41: 167-174
http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/veterinary/ © TÜBİTAK
Research Article doi:10.3906/vet-1606-65
Influence of supplementing diet with microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum)
on growth and metabolism in lambs during the summer
Ekin SUCU1,*, Duygu UDUM2, Nazmiye GÜNEŞ2, Önder CANBOLAT1, İsmail FİLYA1
1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey 
2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey 
Received: 15.06.2016              Accepted/Published Online: 19.10.2016              Final Version: 19.04.2017
Abstract: The current experiment was conducted to examine the impact of a supplement of microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum) on 
the performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites in lambs during summer. Forty lambs were used in a 49-day experiment. 
The lambs were group-fed either a basal diet (alfalfa hay and concentrate, n = 20) or the basal diet along with 5 g/day microalgae (n = 
20). Feed intakes were recorded daily and body weight (BW) was measured weekly. Overall, microalgae feeding increased (P < 0.05) the 
BW and average daily gain. There were no significant differences for average feed intake or feed efficiency (P > 0.05). Microalgae feeding 
decreased rumen pH (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce proportion of acetate (P < 0.1), while it increased total rumen volatile fatty acid 
concentration (8.6%; P < 0.01) and proportions of propionate (13.9%, P < 0.01) and valerate (P < 0.01; 26.5%) compared with the control 
animals. Microalgae feeding increased (P < 0.05) blood glucose (98.47 vs. 84.97 mg/dL) and insulin (64.14 vs. 29.26 ng/mL), whereas 
it lowered total cholesterol concentrations in blood (62 vs. 58 mg/dL, P < 0.1) compared with the control animals. The results of this 
study indicate that microalgae supplement influences productivity and enhances dietary energy utilization in lambs during the summer.
Key words: Microalgae, blood metabolites, lamb performance, rumen fermentation, Schizochytrium limacinum
1. Introduction impact metabolism and reduce lipid concentrations in 
The combination of summer temperature and humidity animal models (10,11).
limit animal production, compromise the immune It is now possible to take advantage of algae products 
system, and negatively affect animal health (1). Success in for the management of animal health and performance 
overcoming the effects of heat stress is very likely related during the hot summer months. However, there is a lack 
to the heat increment of feeds (2). Thus, formulations of published data in the scientific literature regarding the 
of suitable rations via adding easily digestible energy effects of algae in stressful situations (12–16). At this point, 
sources (reduced fiber, increased concentrates and the current research is focused on examining a microalga 
supplemental fat), or supplementing  nutraceuticals or (Schizochytrium limacinum)  supplement on production 
pharmaceuticals (rumen modifiers, direct fed microbials, parameters, rumen fermentation, and bioenergetics in growing lambs during the summer. We hypothesized that 
probiotics, antioxidants) come under the umbrella of this the  microalga (Schizochytrium limacinum)  would affect 
approach (1). However, all these methods have had little rumen fermentation and this would improve energetic 
success or have shown inconsistent results (1,2). homeostasis and the growth rate of lambs during the 
Currently, the use of algae meal is an active area of hottest months of summer.
research examining  the value of these products as an 
important nutritional factor.  The effects of  these natural 2. Materials and methods
supplements  have been documented on the immune 2.1. Animal care and use
system (3–5), gut health (6), and overall growth rate (3,7) in This experiment was conducted at a livestock experiment 
a number of species. Evidence also exists that certain algae station. All the scientists in the experiment are licensed 
preparations can increase omega-3 fatty acids in meat (8), to perform experiments on animals and the protocol 
milk (9), and eggs (10), which has implications for human was approved by the Ethics Committee of UÜHADYEK 
health. Research also suggests that algae may positively (approval date: 23.05.2014; no: 2014-09/05).
* Correspondence: ekins@uludag.edu.tr
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2.2. Animals and experimental design Rumen liquor samples were taken from animals at 
Forty male Merino lambs averaging 5 months old (born the beginning of the treatment period (day 0) and on 
in February) with body weight of 39.1 ± 1.28 kg were used the last day (day 49) of the experimental period using a 
in a trial conducted between 8 July and 26 August 2014, stomach tube and filtered through cheesecloth. Rumen 
which is a specific time period when the temperature pH was measured immediately using a digital pH meter 
humidity index (THI) is at maximum level. Temperature (Sartorius PB-20, Germany). Thereafter, ammonia-N 
and relative humidity inside the barn were measured by was determined from 25 mL of the extract in a Kjeltech 
Data Logger (ebro, EBI 20, ebro Electronic GmbH & Co. autoanalyzer without a digestion step (18). Samples were 
KG, Ingolstadt, Germany) every hour on a daily basis over acidified with H2SO4 and stored at –20 °C for measuring 
the duration of the experiment. The maximum, minimum, volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The VFAs were determined in 
mean THI, and the THI at 1650 h were calculated by the a gas chromatograph equipped with a capillary column 
following equation (17): {THI = (1.8 × dry bulb temperature (Stabilwax-DA; Crossbond “Carbowax”-PEG for acidic 
(°C) + 32) – [(0.55 –0.0055 × relative humidity) × (1.8 × compounds, 30 m, 0.35 mm ID, 0.25 µm df, max. prog. 
dry bulb temperature (°C) – 26.8)]}. At the beginning of temp. 260 °C, min. bleed at 250 °C).
the study, the lambs were randomly assigned to one of two Blood samples were collected from individual animals 
treatments based on their body weights. Thereafter, the at the beginning of the treatment period (day 0) and on 
lambs were randomly split into 4 replicates (5/pen) for each the last day (day 49) of the experimental period from the 
treatment and fed diets of either control ration (n = 20) or a jugular vein into heparinized vacutainer tubes (Becton 
ration with microalgae (n = 20, Schizochytrium limacinum; Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). Plasma was 
Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY, USA) for 49 days. There harvested following centrifugation at 2200 × g and 4 °C 
was a –7-day adaptation period before the experimental for 10 min, and subsequently stored in microtubes at –20 
period. The powder form of supplement was added to the °C until analysis. Plasma was analyzed for glutathione 
basal diet to provide product 5 g/head per day. All pens peroxidase (GPx, Cayman Chemicals, Cat no. 703102, 
were fed with assigned ration once daily (0830) with the USA), diamine oxidase (DAO, NeoBiolab, Cat. no. 
diet based on wheat grain and sunflower meal plus alfalfa SD0039, Cambridge, USA), insulin (NeoBiolab, Cat. no. 
hay. Amounts of feeds offered and refused were weighed SI0011, Cambridge, USA), lipopolysaccharide binding 
at each pen-unit and recorded daily to calculate the feed protein (LPS-BP, Cat. no. SL0216, Cambridge, USA), free 
intake. The amounts offered were adjusted according to the malondialdehyde (MDA, USCN, Cat. no. CEA597Ge, 
amounts refused; if there was <5% (on a DM basis) left for Houston, USA), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA, 
three consecutive days, the amounts were increased by 5%. Eastbiopharm, Cat. no. CK-E90958, Hangzhou, China) by 
However, if the amounts refused exceeded 5% for 2 days, 
the level of feeding was reduced by 5%. The lambs were enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (ELX808IU 
weighed at weekly intervals throughout the trial. Average Ultra Microplate Reader, BIO-TEK Instruments, INC) 
daily gain (ADG) was determined by dividing the weight according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Biochemical 
gain (final live weight – initial live weight) by the number parameters in plasma for glucose (Randox, Cat. no. GL 
of days during each period. Skin surface temperatures were 1611, United Kingdom), total protein (Randox, Cat. no. 
measured each day at 1650 at the left paralumbar fossa TP 4001, United Kingdom), and plasma urea nitrogen 
with an infrared thermography gun (Raynger MX model (PUN, BioAssay Systems, Cat. no. DIUR-500, CA, 
RayMX4PU Raytek C, Santa Cruz, CA, USA). Respiration USA) were measured enzymatically by an automatic 
rates were measured each day at 1650 by counting number spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-1601, Tokyo, Japan) 
of breaths (bpm). using commercially available kits.
Samples of the dietary rations and refusals 2.3. Statistical Analyses
(supplemented and unsupplemented) were collected Data on feed intake and feed efficiency were analyzed with 
weekly and were frozen (−20  °C) for pending analysis. pen as the experimental unit while performance traits 
Analysis was carried out according to the standard and blood parameters were analyzed with lamb as the 
procedures of the AOAC (18). The NDF and ADF contents experimental unit. Daily measurements were condensed 
were determined by sequential procedures (19). Lambs weekly averages for analysis. Adaptation period data 
had free access to water and salt licks (Na 39.3%, Cl were included as a covariate in the analysis. The effects of 
60.7%). The chemical composition of the ration and fatty treatment on pen feed intake, skin temperatures, and heart 
acids profile of the diet and the supplement are given in rate were analyzed with the repeated measures with the 
Tables 1 and 2, respectively. Fatty acid methyl esters were PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (20) with week as the 
analyzed using a gas chromatograph (Agilent GC system repeated effect. Performance traits and blood parameters 
6890N) equipped with a capillary column (Agilent, Santa were also analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure 
Clara, CA, USA). of SAS 9.4 (20). The results are reported as least squares 
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Table 1. Ingredient formulation and chemical composition of the basal diet and the 
microalgae. 
Item Basal diet Microalgae
Ingredient, (%)
Alfalfa hay 10
Corn 15
Wheat 47.6
Sunflower meal, 33% 25.0
Limestone 1.10
Salt 1.10
Vitamin/mineral premix† 0.15
Chemical composition, (% of DM*)
Dry matter 89.12 90.00
Crude protein 16.94 17.50
Organic matter (OM) 86.72 83.50
Ether extract 2.72 5.0
Crude fiber - 7.0
 ADF§ 22.9 -
 NDF‡ 44.2 -
 ME (Mcal/kg DM) †† 2.49 -
†Vitamin-mineral premix (supplied per kg): vitamin A (50,000 IU), vitamin D3 
(13,300 IU), vitamin E (13,300 IU), calcium (100 g), phosphorus (67 g), sodium (20 g), 
magnesium (19 g), iron (3 g), copper (0.1 g), manganese (8 mg), zinc (1 g), cobalt (0.1 
g), iodine (0.2 g), selenium (0.005 g) 
*Dry matter; §Acid detergent fiber; ‡Neutral detergent fiber; ††Metabolizable energy 
estimation based on NRC (2001)
means in all cases and differences among means were the experiment. Initial body weights were similar for both 
declared as significant at P < 0.05, whereas trends were diets (P = 0.89; 40.62 kg). Lambs fed microalgae had higher 
discussed at P < 0.10, unless stated otherwise. final body weights (P < 0.05; 1.64%), daily weight gain (P < 
0.01; 29.3%), and growth rate (P < 0.01) than those fed the 
3. Results control diet. On the other hand, feed consumption (P = 
3.1. Temperature humidity index and physiological 0.24; 1256 g/day), OM (P = 0.64; 1231 g/day), ether extract 
parameters (P = 0.64; 39 g/day), and CP (P = 0.63; 245 g/day) intakes 
During the experimental period (49 days), mean weekly were not influenced by the supplementation (Table 3).
ambient temperatures in the barn ranged from 27.31 to 3.3. Rumen fermentation parameters
29.20 °C and the mean weekly THI ranged from 76.01 to Lambs fed microalgae had a higher  concentration of 
78.59 (Figure). At the time of 1651, skin temperatures (P = total VFA and higher proportions of propionate (8.4%; 
0.55) and respiration rates (P = 0.85) were not affected by P < 0.01) and valerate (26.5%; P < 0.01), but lower (P < 
the supplementation (Table 3). 0.01) levels of rumen pH (Table 4). Although ammonia-N 
3.2. Growth performance concentration; the molar proportions of butyrate, 
Table 3 shows the effect of microalgae supplementation isobutyrate, and isovalerate; and the acetate:propionate 
on growth performance in Merino male lambs during ratio (A:P) did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments, a 
summer. The lambs weighed 39.1 ± 1.28 kg at the start of tendency for decreased proportion of acetate (2.81%, P < 
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Table 2. Fatty acid composition of the diet and microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum) 
supplement (%).
Fatty acids Basal diet, % Microalgae, %
Tridecanoic acid (C13:0) 0.11 ± 0.01 0.16 ± 0.01
Myristic acid (C14:0) 0.04 ± 0.01 1.55 ± 0.01
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) 0.04 ± 0.01 0.68 ± 0.01
Palmitic acid (C16:0) 11.72 ± 0.01 21.48 ± 0.11
Heptadecanoic acid (C17:0) 0.04 ± 0.01 0.23 ± 0.01
Stearic acid (C18:0) 1.56 ± 0.01 1.06 ± 0.01
Arachidic acid (C20:0) 0.36 ± 0.01 <0.1
Behenic acid (C22:0) 0.18 ± 0.01 <0.1
Tricosanoic acid (C23:0) 0.04 ± 0.01 <0.1
Lignoceric acid (C24:0) 0.04 ± 0.01 <0.1
SSFA 14.11 25.56
Myristoleic acid (C14:1) 0.04 ± 0.01 <0.1
Pentadecenoic acid (C15:1) 0.04 ± 0.01 <0.1
Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) 0.27 ± 0.01 0.13 ± 0.02
Heptadecenoic acid (C17:1) 0.04 ± 0.01 <0.1
Oleic acid (18:1 n9) 27.24 ± 0.12 6.61 ± 0.06
Eicosapentaenoic (C20:1 n9) 0.72 ± 0.01 3.46 ± 0.02
Erucic acid (C22:1 n9) 1.02 ± 0.01 <0.1
Nervonic acid (C24:1 n9) 0.04 ± 0.01 1.30 ± 0.01
SMUFA 29.39 11.90
Linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) 54.04 ± 0.25 8.60 ± 0.06
α-Linolenic acid (C18:3 n6) 2.30 ± 0.02 0.34 ± 0.01
Arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6) 0.04 ± 0.01 0.98 ± 0.01
Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n3) 0.04 ± 0.01 0.10 ± 0.01
Docosadienoic acid (C22:2 n6) 0.04 ± 0.01 14.0 ± 0.20
Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n3) 0.05 ± 0.01 38.52 ± 0.02
SPUFA 56.50 62.54
SFA: saturated fatty acids; MUFA: monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA: polyunsaturated 
fatty acids
Max THI 1650 THI Mean THI Min THI
82
80
78
76
74
72
Adaptation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Period
Weeks of experiment
Figure. Variations in maximum, 1650, mean, and minimum temperature-humidity 
index (THI) over the trial period.
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Table 3. Effects of dietary supplement of microalgae on performance parameters in 
growing male lambs.
Parameter Control Microalgae(n = 20) (n = 20) SEM P-value
Initial weight (kg) 41.55 39.69 0.32 0.89
Final weight (kg) 50.73 51.56 0.26 0.03
Total weight gain (kg) 9.18 11.87 0.94 <0.01
Daily gain (g) 187.58 242.60 12.96 <0.01
FE (g/g) 0.145 0.176 0.01 0.23
Growth rate (%/day) 0.45 0.61 0.07 <0.01
Nutrient intake (g/lamb per day)
DM 1271.80 1240.80 17.86 0.24
OM 1240.62 1221.07 29.03 0.64
Ether extract 39.31 38.69 0.10 0.64
CP 236.3 232.5 5.53 0.63
Temperature indices
Skin temperature (°C) 39.3 39.2 0.2 0.55
Respiratory rates (count/min) 80 76 2.0 0.85
SEM, Standard error of the mean; DIM, Dry matter intake, FE, Feed efficiency (daily 
gain, g/dry matter intake, g); DM, Dry matter; OM, Organic matter; CP, Crude protein
Table 4. Effects of dietary supplement of microalgae on ruminal VFA variables and 
ammonia-N concentration in growing male lambs.
Parameter Control Microalgae SEM P-value
pH 6.92 6.80 0.08 0.03
Total VFA, mm/L 97.70 106.14 3.08 <0.01
VFA, mol/100 mol
Acetate (A) 60.70 58.77 1.50 0.07
Propionate (P) 19.69 22.43 0.92 <0.01
Butyrate 14.76 13.03 0.45 0.45
Isobutyrate 1.18 1.37 0.52 0.24
Valerate 2.15 2.72 0.06 <0.01
Isovalerate 1.52 1.69 0.86 0.85
A:P 3.10 2.71 0.05 0.12
Ammonium-N (mg/100 mL) 15.49 17.41 1.09 0.17
SEM, Standard error of the mean
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0.10) was observed with the addition of microalgae (Table respectively (Table 3). Higher rates of weight gain in lambs 
4). (3) were observed during the summer grazing period. Yet, 
3.4. Blood metabolites unaffected feed intake in cattle (22) and in lambs (23) was 
Overall, blood insulin (64.14 vs. 29.26 ± 7.50 ng/mL) and also observed in response to algae supplementation. The 
glucose (98.47 vs. 84.97 ± 1.72 mg/dL) concentrations majority of the increase in production can probably be 
increased (P < 0.01) while blood cholesterol tended to explained by the effects of microalgae on ruminal VFAs, 
decrease (5.6%, P < 0.10) in lambs fed microalgae (Table which led to changes in ruminal fermentation (Table 4). 
5). On the other hand, blood plasma NEFA, total protein, These observations suggest that microalgae modify the 
PUN, LPS-BP, MDA, DAO, and GPx concentrations did ruminal microbial population (9,24). In agreement with 
not differ (P > 0.05) between lambs supplemented with our findings, other studies also indicate that microalgae 
microalgae and the control group (Table 5). rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n−3) affect 
rumen fermentation towards propionate (9,25) and 
4. Discussion isovalerate (9). The rumen pH was lower in algae-fed 
Seasonal high temperatures in subtropical, tropical, and lambs than in control animals. This may be related to the 
arid areas are known to reduce productivity in growing higher concentration of ammonia and total VFA observed 
animals (1,5). Therefore, the present study illustrates in this group (14). Conversely, Hopkins et al. (8), Meale 
the impacts of heat stress in animals during hot climate et al. (23), and Clayton et al. (7) observed that the same 
conditions. The mean THI was above 76 throughout strain of microalga (Schizochytrium limacinum) did not 
the trial, which suggests that lambs were reared in heat influence the growth performance or carcass traits of 
stress conditions (Figure) and also the respiration rate lambs. Treatment with the same strain of microalga in 
average was 78 (bpm) and skin temperature was around cows (26) and a brown alga (Ascophyllum nodosum) in 
39 °C (Table 3). Regardless of supplementation, this study steers (12) showed a reduction in feed intake under heat 
indicates that lambs respond to ambient temperatures (21). stress. On the other hand, Spiers et al. (12) speculated 
The addition of microalgae did not affect skin temperature that the algae might influence metabolic heat production 
or respiration rate (P > 0.05). However, in a number of by decreasing intake. The reasons for the discrepancies 
similar studies on lambs, core body temperature was between the present case and the others are not clear but 
decreased by supplementing different algae products differences in type of algae and the diet or inclusion rate 
during heat stress (12,15,16). are a potential explanation.
In the current study, without influencing the intake, the We found that the microalga Schizochytrium limacinum 
microalga Schizochytrium limacinum enhanced final mean increased the concentration of glucose and reduced the 
body weights and daily weight gain by 1.64% and 29.3%, concentration of cholesterol in blood (Table 5). These 
Table 5. Effects of dietary supplement of microalgae on blood parameters in growing male 
lambs.
Parameter Control Microalgae SEM# P-value
Insulin (ng/mL) 29.26 64.14 7.50 <0.01
Glucose (mg/dL) 84.97 98.47 1.72 <0.01
NEFA (µmol/L) 239.86 245.89 7.31 0.68
Cholesterol (mg/dL) 61.68 58.22 0.50 0.09
Total protein (g/dL) 6.06 5.90 0.13 0.55
PUN (mg/dL) 24.23 23.56 0.84 0.58
LPS-BP (ng/mL) 260.72 261.14 1.47 0.89
DAO (ng/mL) 37.88 26.61 4.02 0.17
MDA (ng/mL) 12.56 11.97 0.43 0.49
GPx (µmol/min per mL) 81.22 88.30 4.45 0.44
SEM, Standard error of the mean; NEFA, nonesterified fatty acids; PUN, plasma urea 
nitrogen; LPS-BP, lipopolysaccharide binding protein; DAO, diamine oxidase; MDA, 
malondialdehyde; GPx, glutathione peroxidase        
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results indicate that Schizochytrium sp. may enhance of gastrointestinal health status, was found to be improved 
energy and lipid metabolisms. PUFA sources modulate in weaned piglets given brown algae (6). Further, omega 
prostaglandin metabolism, lower cholesterol, and have 3 PUFAs were found to be protective in the intestinal 
antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties (27). mucosal barrier of tight junction in heat-stressed rats (35). 
The Schizochytrium sp. used in the current study was The numerical decrease in DAO in plasma indicates that 
determined as an excellent PUFAs source (62.5% of total microalgae supplementation may protect the intestinal 
acids, Table 2). In agreement with our findings, Kannan mucosa from severe injury under heat stress.  Recently, 
et al. (13,14) and Karatzia et al. (28) also measured higher DHA-enriched microalgae were found to inhibit in vitro 
blood glucose levels in goats and dairy cows fed diets biohydrogenation of PUFAs in the rumen (36), suggesting 
containing algae during stress. The hypocholesterolemic that higher amounts of these fatty acids can reach the 
effect of microalgae also agrees with the studies in animals small intestine. The Schizochytrium sp. used in the current 
(10,11). In the hot summer period animals exhibit a study was shown to be a DHA (38.52% of total acids, Table 
weakened immune system and decreased antioxidant 2) provider.  However, it should be taken into account that 
defense mechanisms (29). It has also been understood that the extent of PUFAs flowing to lower part of the GI tract 
heat stress impairs intestinal barrier integrity and causes is an important factor for marginal effects of microalgae 
leaky gut, which explains its negative effects on animal supplement on intestinal barrier function under heat 
health and production (30). Algae have been found to stress. Other stress markers (MDA, LPS-BP) remained 
protect the body from oxidative stress and to scavenge unaffected because of microalgae supplementation, which 
peroxides in immune cells (3,4). The MDA, GPx activity, suggests that the supplementation should be initiated 
and LPS-BP are considered useful biomarkers to assess before the start of heat stress or higher amounts of the 
the extent of heat stress in blood and tissue in mammals supplement may be necessary to elicit a response in lambs.
(30–32). Plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) also has been We have concluded in this study that the addition 
proposed as a circulating marker for monitoring the of supplemental algae, Schizochytrium limacinum, to 
extent of intestinal barrier injury. DAO is a highly active lamb diets in summer altered rumen fermentation, 
intracellular enzyme located in the upper part of the enhanced available energy for growth, and thus improved 
intestinal mucosa in humans and mammals. Normally production. The major increase in performance is likely 
the DAO exists in very small amounts in the circulation. to be attributed to the property of microalgae as a rumen 
The DAO in the intestinal lumen is inhibited  from modifier, antioxidant stimulant, and health promoter. 
entering the circulation  by normal healthy mucosa. Obviously, additional studies are paramount to establish 
DAO is allowed to enter the peripheral circulation due a relationship between microalgae and rumen microbial 
to  increased mucosal permeability when  the intestinal populations under heat stress conditions. Further studies 
barrier function is compromised (33). In this study, we are also needed to establish relationships between 
observed an increase in plasma GPx activity and this may microalgae supplement and the gut well-being of animals 
indicate microalgae supplementation has the potential under heat load.
to enhance the systemic antioxidant status of animals 
and helps to detoxify free radicals due to heat exposure Acknowledgment
(34). Likewise, there are other reports showing increased This study was supported by the Scientific Research 
plasma GPx in humans (31) and heat-stressed lambs (5) Project Council of Uludağ University (Project Number: 
with algae supplementation. Gut flora, an important index KUAP(Z)-2013/46). 
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