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

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Traditionally, inorganic zinc (Zn) was supplemented in broiler chicken diets at higher levels than recommended to meet optimal body requirements. Nonetheless, this practice poses challenges since increased Zn excretion in feces results in heavy metal contamination. The application of nanomaterial feed supplements in animal feed has recently evolved due to its unique properties in increasing nutrient utilization toward precision animal nutrition. Additionally, the high bioavailability and utilization rate of nanomaterial Zn are believed to improve broiler physiological function and production, and the results can support their practical application in the poultry industry. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of dietary biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on broiler zinc uptake in serum and selected tissues, tibia bone quality parameters, and antioxidative status. ABSTRACT: 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.