Performance, intestinal microbial population, immune and physiological responses of broiler chickens to diet with different levels of silver nanoparticles coated on zeolite

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) coated on zeolite on performance, gastrointestinal microflora, heterophile to lymphocyte ratio and humoral immune system responses of broiler chickens. Three hundred seventy-five chicks (Cobb 500) in a completely randomised design were distributed to five diets: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet containing 1% zeolite and 3, 4 and 5) basal diet containing 1% zeolite coated with 25, 50 and 75 ppm Ag-NPs. Performance traits were recorded and blood samples were taken to determine antibody response against Newcastle on day 14, infectious bursal disease on day 21 and serum immunoglobulins (Igs) were determined on day 42. Heterophile to lymphocyte ratio was evaluated on days 28, 35 and 42. The result showed that feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly decreased in Ag-NP treatments compared with control group (p