Francisco Santacruz

Mr. Francisco Santacruz

Yachay Tech University

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
19 December 2021 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Miroslava ŠefcováMiroslava Šefcová
Miroslava Šefcová
Francisco SantacruzFrancisco Santacruz
Francisco Santacruz
CLCésar Larrea-Álvarez
César Larrea-Álvarez
Christian Vinueza-BurgosChristian Vinueza-Burgos
Christian Vinueza-Burgos
DODavid Ortega-Paredes
David Ortega-Paredes
MLMarco Larrea-Álvarez
Marco Larrea-Álvarez
This pilot investigation aimed at studying the feasibility of using a low dose (0.2%) of dietary microalgae as a means of improving intestinal morphometry, body weight, and selected meat quality parameters in broilers. A total of 72 one-day-old ROSS 308 male chicks were randomly separated into four groups; three experimental pens in which the birds were fed with biomass from Tysochrysis lutea, Tetraselmis chuii, and Porphyridium cruentum over 30 days and a control group. T. chuii and P. cruentum had a positive effect with regard to body weight. In treated animals, duodenal and ileal sections showed characteristic tall and thin villi, with serrated surfaces and goblet cell differentiation. In both sections, values of the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio were increased by microalgae ingestion. The thawing weight loss of fillets was reduced in T. chuii-fed animals. The positive effects exerted by T. chuii and P. cruentum on intestinal architecture were associated with the improved body weight. Arguably, these outcomes exhibit the potential of using these species to enhance growth performance in broiler chickens by promoting gut homeostasis and thus nutrient absorption.