Impact of Copper Nanoparticles on Productive Performance, IGF-1 Gene Expression, Oxidative and Immune Status, and Carcass Traits in Two Different Broiler Breeds

Abstract

Poultry is a valuable sector of animal production to meet rising protein demands. Strategies of nanotechnology and genetics have improved chicken production. This study examined the impact of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) on productivity, carcass traits, Insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) gene expression, oxidative and immune status in Ross 308 and Hubbard broilers. Ninety-six one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 12): G1 (Female Ross 308), G2 (Male Ross 308), G5 (Female Hubbard), and G6 (Male Hubbard) received Cu-NPs 20 mg/kg in drinking water, while G3 (Female Ross 308), G4 (Male Ross 308), G7 (Female Hubbard), and G8 (Male Hubbard) as controls with free water. The chicks were raised for 35 days under suitable conditions on a commercial diet and had free access to water. Weekly feed intake (WFI) and live body weight (LBW) were recorded. Three birds from each group were selected and slaughtered (Approved ethically with number 2021073/2021). Blood samples were collected for serum separation for Immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) estimation. Liver and breast muscle samples were preserved in RNA later for gene expression analysis using Real-time PCR. The slaughtered birds were dressed, eviscerated, and chopped to evaluate the carcass characteristics. The results revealed a significant (p<0.05) improvement in productive performance indices, as body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), especially in Cu-NPs, Ross 308, and male groups, also carcass traits such as carcass weight, dressing percentage, and breast and thigh weights increased in Cu-NPs and male groups. IGF-1 gene expression in breast muscle exhibited a significant (p<0.05) increase in Cu-NPs, Ross 308, and male groups; the treatment-breed, treatment-sex, and breed-sex interactions showed a significant (p<0.05) effect on expression in the liver. Oxidative status displayed a significant (p<0.05) improvement, where GSH was elevated in Cu-NPs, Ross 308, and male, while MDA decreased in Cu-NPs, Hubbard, and male. There was an increase in IgG and IgM in Cu-NPs treated groups, as well as a crucial rise in IgG in the male groups. From the previous results, Cu-NPs demonstrated a positive effect on productive traits and overall health. Hence, Cu-NPs may be applied to enhance the productive efficiency in various broiler breeds, males or females.