13. From the web page at http://hometown.aol.com/cebrezzie/aquarium/SPIRULINA.htm
 
Aquaculture farmers have discovered three key benefits to adding Spirulina to their feed. These are:

Better Growth Rates:

Increase palatability results in:

a.  Reduction of wasted feed (lower cost).
b.  Lower feed conversion ratio.
c.  Lower feed conversion ratio and higher nutrient uptake.
 
Increased intestinal flora in the animal, which results in:

a.  Increased nutrient utilization.
b.  Production of vitamins and displacement of harmful bacteria.

Increased fat transporting enzymes which results in:

a.  Reduced fat storage in flesh.
b.  Improved utilization of fat for growth.

Feed containing 2.5% Spirulina was given to Cherry Salmon for a five month period and resulting in:

A nearly 23% increase in growth.
Improved skin and fin appearance.

Increased Survival Rates:

Taiyo Fisheries added 5% (50,000ppm) Spirulina to Yellowtail fingerling feed in a 60-day test and the results were:

a.  Reduction of mortality rate by 14%.
b.  Increase of growth rate by 19%.
c.  Overall production increase of 39%

Spirulina improved taste, texture and coloring in farm fish by:

a.  Providing essential nutrients found in the animal's natural food chain, but not in commercial feeds.

b.  Providing up to 50,000ppm of carotenoids that fish utilize for coloring.

c.  Supplying zeaxanthin, which can be converted to astaxanthin (in certain species) for coloring of flesh as well.

d.  Using Spirulina as a feed supplement results in better growth rates, increased survival rates, and improved quality and coloration of species. This results in cost savings and increased profits for your business.

From the web page at
http://www.cyanotech.com/html/spir/aqua.html
 
14. Anti-Cancer Effects
Several studies show spirulina or its extracts can prevent or inhibit cancers in humans and animals. Some common forms of cancer are thought to be a result of damaged cell DNA running amok, causing uncontrolled cell growth. Cellular biologists have defined a system of special enzymes called endonuclease which repair damaged DNA to keep cells alive and health. When these enzymes are deactivated by radiation or toxins, errors in DNA go unrepaired, and cancer may develop.

In vitro studies suggest the unique polysaccharides of spirulina enhance cell nucleus enzyme activity and DNA repair synthesis. This may be why several scientific studies, observing human tobacco users and experimental cancers in animals. report high levels of suppression of several important types of cancer after being fed whole spirulina or treated with its water extracts.

Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. In scientific studies of mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats and fish, spirulina consistently improves immune system function. Medical scientists find spirulina not only stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the body's ability to generate new blood cells.

Important parts of the immune system, the bone marrow stem cells, macrophages, T-cells and natural killer cells, exhibit enhanced activity. The spleen and thymus glands show enhanced function. Scientists also observe spirulina causing macrophages to increase in number, become "activated" and more effective at killing germs.

Feeding studies show that even small amounts of spirulina build up both the humeral and cellular arms of the immune system. Spirulina accelerates production of the humeral system (antibodies and cytokines), allowing it to better protect against invading germs. The cellular immune system includes T-cells, macrophages, B-cells and the anti-cancer natural killer cells.

These cells circulate in the blood and are especially rich in organs like the liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, adenoids, tonsils and bone marrow. Spirulina up-regulates these key cells and organs, improving their ability to function in spite of stresses from environmental toxins and infectious agents .
 
15. From the web page at http://www.lightparty.com/Health/Spirulina.html
 
Spirulina flakes are available from several manufacturers and are a vitamin-rich, vegetable supplement for live bearers and plant eating tropical and marine fish. An excellent supplement for Goldfish too! Too much Spirulina can be harmful.
 
Spirulina does not cloud water when used as directed.