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 < .05). Total anaerobic bacteria and the population of Escherichia coli in ileum and caecum were decreased (p < .05). The highest number of lactobacillus was observed in NS50 (p < .05). Antibody response against Gumboro was decreased as well as the amount of IgY antibody in Ag-NPs treatments. Significant differences were observed in heterophile to lymphocyte ratio on day 28 and 35 and the highest amount was observed in NS50 group (p < .05). In conclusion, although this study showed that using Ag-NP dietary coated on zeolite could improve gut microflora, but Ag-NPs could also have side effects on the immune mechanism of broiler chickens.

Nutrigenomics is the study of the effect of nutrition on gene expression which discusses how DNA is converted to mRNA and then converted mRNA to protein, and is the basis for understanding the biological activity of edible compounds. Nutritional manipulations and nutritional approaches are key tools to influence the performance and health of organisms. Today, it has been shown that better nutrition of animals selected for further production has a beneficial effect on their function. Despite the importance of this issue in production systems, there are no ways to clearly explain the molecular mechanisms of these changes. This review study aimed to investigate nutrigenomics as a molecular approach to the expression of genes involved in the health and growth of organisms. Searching was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, IranMedex, and Google Scholar databases on the studies conducted during 1990-2018 by using the keywords: “nutrigenomics”, “gene expression”, “nutrients”, “food formulation”. Initial stage yielded 120 articles. After excluding conferences papers, 58 remained for the final review. There are a limited number of nutrigenomics studies on the laboratory and farm animals, but it has been confirmed that there is an association between nutrition, genetics, fertility and growth. Therefore, the use of nutrients that can express gene expression in a way that improves the function and efficiency of organisms is essential in feed formulation as a new approach in nutrition.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of silver nanoparticles coated on zeolite on performance, gastrointestinal microflora, heterophile to lymphocyte ratio and humoral immune system responses of broiler chickens. Three hundred seventy five Cobb 500 in a completely randomized design were distributed to 5 experimental diets: control diet, 1% zeolite, 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% of silver nanoparticles coated on 1% zeolite. Performance traits were recorded and Blood samples were taken to determine antibody response against Newcastle on d 14, infectious bursal disease (Gumboro) on d 21 and Serum immunoglobulins (IgY, IgM, and IgA) were determined on d 42. Heterophile to lymphocyte ratio was evaluated on days 28, 35 and 42. At the end of d 21 and d 42. Results: The result showed that feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in silver nanoparticle treatments compare with the control group (p < 0.05). Total anaerobic bacteria and the population of E.coli in ileum and cecum were decreased (p < 0.05). The highest number of lactobacillus was observed in NS50 (p < 0.05). Antibody response against Gumboro was decreased as well as the amount of IgY antibody in silver nanoparticles treatments. Significant differences were observed in heterophile to lymphocyte ratio on d 28 and 35 and the highest amount was observed in NS50 group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, using silver nanoparticle dietary coated on zeolite could improve gut microflora, but silver nanoparticles could also have harmful side effects on the immune mechanism of broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effective genes on apoptosis (BAX and Bcl2) in liver and intestinal cells of broiler chickens fed silver nanoparticles coated on clinoptilolite under acute heat stress induction. 450 d old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were used in five treatments and six repetitions, and ...

Extended Abstract Background: The use of food supplements to improve growth, optimal production and increase feed efficiency in feeding livestock and poultry has become a common thing as a suitable solution in using feed as well as possible. Along with the progress of the nano industry, attention has been paid to nanoparticles, ...

Extended Abstract Background: Oxidative stress is one of the major growth-limiting factors that occurs due to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can lead to tissue damage in vital organs such as the liver and intestine. Due to their antibacterial and antioxidant properties, silver nanoparticles have been ...