Nano-sized Zinc in Broiler Chickens: Effects on Growth Performance, Zinc Concentration in Organs, and Intestinal Morphology

Effects of zinc supplementation from organic and inorganic sources on growth, blood biochemical indices, and intestinal microarchitecture in broilers

In poultry nutrition, zinc supplementation is typically achieved through the addition of zinc oxide or zinc sulfate to the feed. The alternative approach of organic sources utilizes an organic ligand to bind zinc (Zn), resulting in higher bioavailability. Thus, a study was conducted to assess and compare the impact of a methionine-complexed Zn versus an inorganic Zn on growth, blood biochemical profile, gut histomorphology, and fecal excretion of Zn in broilers. The experimental design included two treatments: the addition of a zinc amino acid complex or zinc oxide to the basal diet. The zinc amino acid complex was supplemented at a dose equivalent to the inorganic zinc (Zn-80), while the organic zinc was provided at levels of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg to a total of 400 broilers. There were five treatments in total, and each treatment was replicated four times. Broilers supplemented with an organic form of Zn at the level of 80 mg/kg had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio (F/G). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher Zn excretion was recorded in broilers supplemented with inorganic Zn supplementation. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher villus length and width, their ratio, and lower (p < 0.05) crypt depth were observed in birds supplemented with 80 mg/kg organic Zn. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that Zn from an organic source at the rate of 80 mg/kg was superior in terms of growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and less excretion of Zn to the environment in broilers.

Contribution of nanotechnology to greater efficiency in animal nutrition and production

Feed costs present a major burden in animal production for human consumption, representing a key opportunity for cost reduction and profit improvement. Nanotechnology offers potential to increase productivity by creating higher-quality and safer products. The feed sector has benefited from the use of nanosystems to improve the stability and bioavailability of feed ingredients. The development of nanotechnology products for feed must consider the challenges raised by biological barriers as well as regulatory requirements. While some nanotechnology-based products are already commercially available for animal production, the exponential growth and application of these products requires further research ensuring their safety and the establishment of comprehensive legislative frameworks and regulatory guidelines. Thus, this article provides an overview of the current state of the art regarding nanotechnology solutions applied in feed, as well as the risks and opportunities aimed to help researchers and livestock producers.

Comparative effects of dietary zinc nanoparticle and conventional zinc supplementation on broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Background and Aim

Zinc (Zn) is important for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The gastrointestinal absorption of Zn in broiler chickens was notably low. One approach that has been explored for enhancing the bioavailability of Zn is the development of Zn nanoparticles (NPs). Zn is required for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of conventional Zn and Zn NPs on broiler chickens using a meta-analysis methodology.

Materials and Methods

A database was built from published literature to evaluate the effects of the addition of Zn NPs and conventional Zn on broiler chicken responses, including the following parameters: production performance; carcass cuts; visceral organ weight; lymphoid organ weight; nutrient digestibility; intestinal villi; mineral Zn, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations; hematology; blood parameters; immunoglobulin; and intestinal bacterial population. Various scientific platforms, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar, were used to search for peer-reviewed articles. A database was created from 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The data were then processed for a meta-analysis using a mixed-model methodology. Different types of Zn (NPs versus conventional) were considered fixed effects, different studies were treated as random effects, and p-values were used as model statistics.

Results

Across the parameters observed in this study, the use of Zn NPs was more efficient in Zn utilization than conventional Zn, as evidenced by the average dose of Zn NPs being much lower than that of conventional Zn (79.44 vs. 242.76 mg/kg) yet providing similar (p > 0.05) or even significantly better effects (p < 0.05) compared to conventional Zn usage.

Conclusion

This investigation revealed the beneficial influence of Zn NPs in broiler chickens compared to the conventional utilization of Zn through an all-encompassing meta-analysis. Moreover, Zn NPs have proven to be more effective in Zn utilization when juxtaposed with conventional Zn, as demonstrated by the significantly lower quantity of Zn NPs administered compared to conventional Zn, while yielding comparable or even superior outcomes compared to the traditional utilization of Zn. A limitation of this study is that the Zn NPs used were sourced from inorganic Zn NPs. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the efficiency of organic Zn NPs in broiler chicken feed.

Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as Feed Additive on Blood Indices, Physiological, Immunological Responses, and Histological Changes in Broiler Chicks

A feeding trial of 5-week duration was performed to assess the response of broiler chicks to dietary supplementation with different doses of myco-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs) on blood indices, physiological, immunological response, antioxidant status, intestinal microbial count, and histological changes in immune organs. A total of 162 3-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were weighed individually and distributed equally into 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicate of 9 chicks in each in a completely randomized design. Chicks were fed ad libitum a basal ration prepared as starter, grower, and finisher supplemented with 0 (T1, control), 40 (T2), and 60 (T3) mg zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs)/kg feed. Results showed that supplementing with ZONPs at both studied levels increased the relative weights of the spleen, bursa, thymus, and liver and decreased the relative weight of the kidney, gizzard, and intestine. A significant increase in the concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (PCV%), red and white blood cell counts, total protein (TP), globulin (GLOB), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and a significant decrease in malonaldehyde (MDA), uric acid, and creatinine concentration were observed. Furthermore, all immunological organs showed histological alteration and increased both types of immunity in ZONPs groups with more pronounced effects in the T2 group.

Comparative effects of zinc hydroxy chloride, zinc sulfate, and zinc-methionine on egg quality and quantity traits in laying hens

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of different levels of zinc supplements on egg quality and quantity traits as well as egg enrichment with zinc in laying hens from 40 to 50 weeks of age. A total of 240 Hy-line laying hens were distributed among eight treatments and five replications (six birds per replication). The control group received no zinc diet, while the other treatments were supplemented with varying levels of zinc sulfate (80, 120, and 160 mg/kg) or zinc hydroxy chloride (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg). An additional group of zinc-methionine supplement at 124 mg/kg was also included. Results showed that different levels of zinc supplementation caused a significant improvement in eggshell resistance, eggshell percentage, feed conversion ratio, and Haugh unit compared to the control group. Adding organic and hydroxy sources of zinc significantly increased zinc contents in egg yolk, tibia bone, and blood. In addition, the treatments containing zinc supplements caused an increase in the antibody level against the Newcastle disease compared to the control (P < 0.05). Different levels and sources of zinc had no significant effect on eggshell thickness, specific gravity, and egg mass. Results showed that adding zinc in hydroxy chloride form at 100 mg/kg could improve performance indices, safety, and egg enrichment with zinc.

Leg disorders in broiler chickens: a review of current knowledge

Ensuring improved leg health is an important prerequisite for broilers to achieve optimal production performance and welfare status. Broiler leg disease is characterized by leg muscle weakness, leg bone deformation, joint cysts, arthritis, femoral head necrosis, and other symptoms that result in lameness or paralysis. These conditions significantly affect movement, feeding and broiler growth performance. Nowadays, the high incidence of leg abnormalities in broiler chickens has become an important issue that hampers the development of broiler farming. Therefore, it is imperative to prevent leg diseases and improve the health of broiler legs. This review mainly discusses the current prevalence of broiler leg diseases and describes the risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention of leg diseases to provide a scientific basis for addressing broiler leg health problems.

Development and Application of nanoPCR Method for Detection of Feline Panleukopenia Virus

Feline panleukopenia (FP) is a severe viral illness caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), putting sectors like companion cat breeding and endangered feline conservation at risk. The virus has a high morbidity and fatality rate and is found all over the world. We created a novel FPV assay using nanoPCR technology and assessed the method's specificity and sensitivity. The approach amplified a 345 bp nucleic acid fragment with a minimum detection limit of 7.97 × 10² copies/μL, which is about 100 times greater than traditional PCR. We collected anal swabs from 83 cats suspected of FPV infection for practical application, and the FPV-positive rate determined by the nanoPCR approach was 77.1%. In conclusion, the approach is more sensitive than conventional PCR and more convenient and cost-effective than qPCR methodology and may be utilized for the clinical detection of FPV.

A Meta-analysis of Responses of Broiler Chickens to Dietary Zinc Supplementation: Feed Intake, Feed Conversion Ratio and Average Daily Gain

The importance of zinc (Zn) in broiler chicken nutrition is gaining attention due to the realization of its role in several enzymes and metabolic functions. This meta-analysis, therefore, aimed to synthesize pooled evidence on the effectiveness of Zn supplementation on enhancing feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG) in broiler chickens. Thirty-seven peer-reviewed studies out of 436 identified from the search carried out in Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed databases met the criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Data were pooled and then disaggregated for moderators: broiler strains, sources of Zn, duration of Zn supplementation and Zn supplementation levels. All the analyses were conducted in Open Meta-analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) software. Pooled results indicate that Zn supplementation increased feed intake [standardised mean differences (SMD) = 0.34 g/bird/day; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27, 0.42)] and ADG (SMD = 0.43 g/bird/day; 95% CI 0.35, 0.50) in broiler chickens in comparison with the controls. Dietary Zn supplementation improves FCR (SMD =  - 0.16 g/g; 95% CI 0.20, - 0.11), taking heterogeneity and publication biases into account. Restricted subanalysis showed that studied moderators influenced the outcomes of the meta-analysis. Meta-regression revealed that moderators explain about 38% of the sources of variations in the present study. This meta-analysis suggests that dietary zinc supplementation had a positive effect on growth performance indices in broiler chickens.

Potentials of Dietary Zinc Supplementation in Improving Growth Performance, Health Status, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

The demand for chicken meat is on the rise, necessitating high level of production and efficient feed conversion which to a certain extent can be actualized by the use of specific trace minerals like zinc (Zn). Zn is a part of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. In addition, Zn has antioxidant properties and is vital for hormone function, including growth, pancreatic, and sex hormones. Its deficiency in animals is characterized by poor fertility, decreased feed intake, poor growth, testicular atrophy, and weakened immunity. Nano-Zn sources have been shown to be more bioavailable than conventional zinc (organic and inorganic) sources. Zn from organic sources, on the other hand, has higher bioavailability than Zn from inorganic sources. Furthermore, Zn supplementation promotes growth, enhances antioxidant capacity, modulates the immunity, and improves health indices in broiler chickens. Published studies have demonstrated that Zn supplementation has the potential to improve carcass yield and meat quality in broilers with various research contradictions. However, a clear understanding of the role of Zn in broiler nutrition is still lacking, necessitating further research. As a result, the purpose of this review was to highlight the influence of Zn (organic or inorganic) supplementation on growth, blood characteristics, antioxidant status, immune responses, Zn tissue/fecal concentrations, intestinal villus histomorphology, and meat quality of broiler chickens as well as Zn bioavailability to understand the role of Zn in broiler nutrition, resolve contradictory research results, and identify knowledge gaps. Understanding the role of dietary Zn in broiler chicken nutrition and meat quality will avail important suggestion on policy advancements and sustainable use of Zn in the broiler chicken industry.

Influence of Dietary Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Broiler Zinc Uptake, Bone Quality, and Antioxidative Status

A total of 180 broiler chickens (Cobb500) were randomly allotted to five experimental groups consisting of six replicates and six birds in each pen. Each group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg ZnO (control) and 10, 40, 70, and 100 mg/kg ZnO NPs for 35 days. Resultantly, Zn uptake and accumulation in serum, breast muscle, tibia bone, and liver were linearly and significantly (p < 0.05) increased with increasing dietary ZnO NPs supplementation at 100 mg/kg compared to the control group (dietary 100 mg/kg ZnO), implying effective absorption capacity of ZnO NPs. This was followed by lower Zn excretion in feces in broilers fed ZnO NPs compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary ZnO NPs at 40, 70, and 100 mg/kg levels improved broiler tibia bone morphological traits, such as weight, length, and thickness. Similarly, tibia bone mineralization increased in broilers fed ZnO NPs at 100 mg/kg compared to the control (p < 0.05), as demonstrated by tibia ash, Zn, Ca, and P retention. Antioxidative status in serum and liver tissue was also increased in broilers fed dietary ZnO NPs at 70 and 100 mg/kg compared to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary ZnO NPs increased Zn absorption in broiler chickens and had a positive influence on tibia bone development and antioxidative status in serum and liver tissue, with dietary ZnO NPs supplementation at 70 and 100 mg/kg showing the optimum effects.

A perspective review on the effect of different forms of zinc on poultry production of poultry with special reference to the hazardous effects of misuse

Zinc (Zn) is a unique micro-mineral because it is an essential component in many enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, carbonic anhydrase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as being important for regulation of proteins and lipids metabolism, and sex hormones. This mineral is applied in poultry production in three forms; inorganic, organic, and nanoparticle form. The nano-form of Zn is preferable in application to other conventional forms with regard to absorption, bioavailability, and efficacy. Broilers fed on diets supplemented with Zn showed improvement of growth performance, carcass meat yield, and meat quality. In addition, Zn plays an important role in enhancing of both cellular and humeral immune responses, beside its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In laying hens, dietary addition of Zn improves the eggshell quality and the quantity of eggs. Moreover, Zn has a vital role in breeders in terms of improving the egg production, fertility, hatchability, embryonic development, and availability of the hatched chicks. Therefore, this review article is focused on the effects of using Zn on the performance and immunity of poultry, as well as its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with special reference to the hazardous effects of the misusing of this mineral.

Improved Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, Digestive Enzymes, Nutrient Digestibility and Zinc Bioavailability of Broiler Chickens with Nano-Sized Hot-Melt Extruded Zinc Sulfate

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the supplementation of hot-melt extrusion (HME) processed zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on the growth performance, antioxidative activity, pancreatic digestive enzyme, small intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and Zn content in broilers. The chicks were allocated to three treatments, each of which had five replicates of 15 chicks per replicate. The broiler chickens were assigned to three dietary treatments: the control (without supplemental Zn), IN-Zn (ZnSO₄, 80 mg/kg), and HME-Zn (HME processed ZnSO₄ as nano-Zn, 80 mg/kg). The broilers fed diets supplemented with 80 mg/kg of HME-Zn improved the BWG (P < 0.05) and FCR (P < 0.05) compared to the broilers fed the control and IN-Zn diets in phase 2. The Zn supplementation significantly enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the serum (P < 0.05) and liver (P < 0.05), and HME-Zn supplementation significantly increased the SOD in the liver compared to the IN-Zn supplementation. Reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was seen with the Zn supplementation compared to the control (P < 0.05). The chickens fed diets supplemented with the HME-Zn had higher activity of amylase (P < 0.05) and trypsin (P < 0.05) than those of the chickens fed the control and IN-Zn diets. The villus height (VH) in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and jejunum (P < 0.05) increased with the ZnSO₄ and HME-Zn supplementation compared to the control. The VH and crypt depth rate (VH:CD) in the jejunum improved with the HME-Zn compared to the control (P < 0.05). The HME-Zn significantly increased the apparent ileal digestible crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) and energy corrected by nitrogen (AIDEn) (P < 0.05) compared to the control or IN-Zn. In phases 1 and 2, the HME-Zn significantly increased Zn concentration in the liver and tibia compared to control and IN-Zn (P < 0.05). The excretion of Zn was significantly decreased in the HME-Zn compared to the IN-Zn (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of 80 mg/kg of HME-Zn in diets improved the growth performance, antioxidative activity, pancreatic enzyme activity, intestinal villus height, and nutrient digestibility with the improved Zn bioavailability in broilers.

Improving the bioavailability of manganese and meat quality of broilers by using hot-melt extrusion nano method

1. Mineral excretion is an issue in the poultry industry. The use of micro minerals in nano form can increase bioavailability and decrease excretion rate. However, information concerning the bioavailability of nano manganese (Mn) in broiler chicks is limited.2. This experiment studied the influences of hot-melt extrusion (HME)-processed manganese sulphate on body weight gain, Mn bioavailability, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in broiler chicks fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet as a starter and grower phase. A total of 700 birds (Ross 308, 1-day-old) were randomly placed in 35 cages (20 birds per cage). The broiler chicks were fed one of seven experimental diets, which consisted of a control (without supplemental Mn), different levels of MnSO₄ (IN-Mn60; 60, 120, and 200 mg/kg), or HME MnSO₄ (HME-Mn; 60, 120, and 200 mg/kg).3. There was an increased serum Mn content in broilers fed diet supplemented with HME-Mn. In the grower phase, increased dietary Mn levels elevated the concentrations in the serum, liver, and tibia. There were increases in the excreta Mn content of broilers fed increasing levels. The supplementation of HME-Mn showed a lower percentage of abdominal fat compared with the IN-Mn treatment diets. Supplementation with HME-Mn decreased intramuscular fat compared with the diets supplemented with IN-Mn. The supplementation of HME-Mn decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at d 6 of age. The HME-Mn source showed a greater decrease in TBARS compared with the IN-Mn treatment.4. In conclusion, HME processing increased bioavailability and could be used as an environmentally friendly method to facilitate lower levels of Mn in the diet of broiler chickens.

Effects of Hot-Melt Extruded Nano-Copper as an Alternative for the Pharmacological Dose of Copper Sulfate in Weanling Pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of hot-melt extrusion (HME)-processed copper (Cu) sulfate supplementation on the growth performance, gut microbiota, metabolic function of Cu, and bioavailability of Cu in weanling pigs fed a corn-soybean meal basal diets. A total of 180 piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc) of mixed-sex randomly were allotted to six treatments on the basis of initial average body weight (6.36 ± 0.39 kg) to six dietary treatments. There were six replicates in each treatment with 5 pigs per replicates. The dietary treatments included levels of CuSO₄ (IN6, 6 mg Cu/kg diets; IN125, 125 mg Cu/kg diets), nano-CuSO₄ (HME6, 6 mg Cu/kg diets; HME65, 65 mg Cu/kg diets; and HME125, 125 mg Cu/kg diets), and Cu-methionine (ORG125, 125 mg Cu/kg diets). The weanling pigs fed diets supplemented with the HME65 and HME125 showed a greater body weight and feed intake compared with IN6 and IN125 (P < 0.05). The weaning pigs fed diets supplemented with the HME125 showed the highest digestibility of gross energy in phase 1 and phase 2 (P < 0.05). The supplementation of HME125 significantly reduced the Escherichia coli (E.coli) in cecum and colon (P < 0.05). The supplementation of HME65 showed statistically equivalent effect on reduction of E. coli in the cecum and colon compared with IN125 and ORG125 treatments. The villus height in duodenum and jejunum of piglets in HME65 and HME125 treatments were higher than ORG125, HME6, IN6, and IN125 (P < 0.05). The gene expression of Atox1 was upregulated in IN125, HME125, and ORG125 treatments (P < 0.05). The expression of Sod1 was increased in IN125 treatment compared with IN6 treatment (P < 0.05). The HME125 treatment had the highest gene expression of ghrelin (P < 0.05). The Cu concentration of serum and liver was higher in the HME125 treatment than the HME6, IN6, and IN125 treatments (P < 0.05). The HME125 and ORG125 treatments showed a lower fecal Cu compared with IN125 treatment (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that the HME65 can be an alternative to IN125 in weanling pigs due to the greater overall average daily gain, improved villus height, and higher bioavailability.

Hot-melt extruded copper sulfate affects the growth performance, meat quality, and copper bioavailability of broiler chickens

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of diets of broiler chickens with hot-melt extruded CuSO₄ (HME-Cu) on their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, small intestinal morphology, meat quality, and copper (Cu) bioavailability.

Methods

A total of 225 broilers (Ross 308), one-day old and initial weight 39.14 g, were weighed and distributed between 15 cages (15 birds per cage) in a completely randomized experimental design with 3 treatments (diets) and 5 replicates per treatment. Cages were allotted to three treatments including control (without supplemental Cu), IN-Cu (16 mg/kg of CuSO₄), and HME-Cu (16 mg/kg of HME processed CuSO₄).

Results

The HME-Cu treatment tended to increase the overall body weight gain (p<0.10). The apparent digestibility of Cu was increased by supplementation of HME-Cu at phase 2 (p<0.05). The Escherichia coli count in cecum tended to decrease with the supplementation with Cu (p<0.10). In addition, the HME-Cu treatment had a higher pH of breast meat than the control and IN-Cu treatments (p<0.05). Significant increases in the cooking loss, water-holding capacity, and lightness in the breast were observed in the HME-Cu treatment compared to the control (p<0.05). The Cu content of excreta increased with the Cu supplementation (p<0.05). The concentration of excreta Cu in broilers was decreased in the HME-Cu compared to the IN-Cu in phase 2 (p<0.05). The Cu concentration in the liver was increased with the HME-Cu supplementation, compared with the control diets (p<0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that HME-Cu supplementation at the requirement level (16 mg/kg diets) in broiler diets did not affect the growth performance and the physiological function of Cu in broilers. However, supplementation of Cu in HME form improved the meat quality and the bioavailability of Cu.