The neonatal period of dairy calves may be associated with multiple stressful incidents that negatively impact immune response and animal performance; therefore, there is an increased demand for antioxidants to reduce the deleterious effects of free radicals on the immune system. This work aimed at study the effect of spirulina platensis supplementation on growth,
some biochemical and immunological parameters in suckling calves. Sixteen newly born calves were randomly divided into two groups Group (1) served as control. Group (2) treated with spirulina platensis powder, which was added daily at a rate of 6 gm/ calve/ day for 45 days. Body weight recorded for all experimental calves and blood samples collected at days 0,
15, 30 and 45 of spirulina treatments. Erythrocytes and leucocytes count, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, globulin, immunoglobin IgG, IgM and total antioxidant capacity and disease incidence were recorded. The results revealed non-significant increase in body weight and a significant increase (P<0.05) in Erythrocytes and leucocytes counts, hemoglobin, total protein, globulin and total antioxidant capacity with lower rate of diseases incidence in spirulina platensis treated group compared with control. Albumin and immunoglobulins levels showed non-significant differences. In conclusion, Spirulina platensis supplementation in suckling calf's starter enhanced immunomodulator, antioxidants potential and health status. Therefore, decrease disease incidence rate. Further experiments with different doses and different treatment duration needed to explore the maximum benefit of spirulina