The present paper describes nutraceutical trials of inclusion of organically cultured S. platensis as probiotic feed supplement in the daily diet of Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Trials were conducted on 5 groups of mice (4 mice in each group). The mice in treated groups were administered varying concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% respectively) of S. platensis powder mixed with standard mice feed (SMF) and via water. The mice in Control group were fed only SMF and plain water. The total feed of each group comprised of 5% body weight administered 4 times per day. In the study period of 4 months, the effect of inclusion of S. platensis as a feed supplement was monitored in terms of their overall growth (increase in weight), reproductive behaviour and development of mice pups. Relative preference of mice for water containing Spirulina over plain water was also monitored.
Mice in treated groups seemed more energetic in relation to control group. Mice in all treated groups exhibited higher weight (10.2% to 15.2%) in relation to control. The results were indicative of positive effect of an excellent probiotic supplement included in their daily diet. Weight of mice in the group administered with highest concentration (10%) of Spirulina supplement was the highest (41.3g) among the treated groups. Spirulina mixed in water was equally acceptable to the mice. Administering S. platensis as feed supplement had no adverse effect even on the reproductive behaviour of mice. Treated mice delivered up to 11pups/litter. Pups in treated groups exhibited speedy growth and development in relation to control group. Indeed the 2 weeks old mice of a treated group exhibited 12.5% higher weight in relation to 16 days old mice in control group.