Reproduction is a fundamental function of all living things, allowing the continuation species. This increases productivity and sustains animal species (Gayrard, 2007). Its disruption or dysfunction can negatively affect animal productivity, leading to significant economic losses (Tamboura et al. 2006). Many factors can contribute to this disruption, namely stress (heat, diet, oxidation), aging, certain medications (Hafez and Hafez, 2005) and foreign substances such as heavy metals. One of the main mechanisms by which these factors lead to low reproductive rates is oxidative stress. This occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals exceed the body’s antioxidants scavenging capacity (Levente, 2016). Oxidative stress has been linked to endometriosis, ovarian cancer, polycystic ovary disease, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriages, retarded embryo growth and several other conditions affecting the female reproductive processes (Guerin et al., 2001; Agarwal et al., 2003).
In order to combat these problems, animal keepers have turned to a number of drugs such as antibiotics and hormones, to fight various infections, stimulate growth and increase yields (FAO/WHO, 2009). Perceptions of the dangers of these drugs have created mistrust and concern among consumers, which has forced governments to ban the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in farm animal feed. The growing demand for “natural” products considered purely ecological, has awaken the minds of researchers who are increasingly interested in alternatives to synthetic products considered harmful to animal and human health (AFSSA, 2007). Thus, various plants have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and hepatoprotective properties, which can also stimulate growth and fertility (Kale et al., 2003; Chowdhury et al., 2009).
Similarly, spirulina (Spirulina platensis) has been the subject of much research. It represents the most abundant photosynthetic microorganism and is commonly found in the lakes of Central Africa and Mexico (Ould et al., 2013). Spirulina is considered a highly nutritive value food source due to its high digestibility and high protein (60–70%) (Ould et al., 2013), fat (15–25%) (Djaghoubi, 2013) and in lipids (5.6 to 11%) (Sguera, 2008). It has antioxidant characteristics, due to its phytocyanine contents (Djaghoubi, 2013). These properties of spirulina make it a potential activator of reproduction. Razafindrajaoana et al. (2008) recorded that the administration of an aqueous extract of spirulina at doses of 2 and 8 mg/kg/bw promoted growth and libido in male rat. Ousmane (2019) and Deutcheu (2022) reported an amelioration in the reproduction of rabbits treated respectively with 5, 15 or 25 mg methanolic extract of spirulina/kgbw and does having received 5, 10 or 20 mg aqueous extract of spirulina kg/bw).
All of these studies were on spirulina extracts and, to our knowledge, there are few studies (not available) on the use of raw spirulina as a dietary supplement and its effects on reproduction. Therefore, this study was done, to promote the reproduction of farm animals using herbal medicines, especially spirulina protopowder.