Effect of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Supplementation on Broiler Growth, Carcass Traits, Blood Indices and Cecal Microbial Load

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from garlic and ginger extracts on broiler nutrition at 4, 8, and 12 mg/kg concentrations. Characterization showed spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 240 nm, O–H and C–H functional groups, and an elemental composition of 22.03% silver along with traces of Cl, C, N, Na, and S. XRD analysis revealed a crystalline structure with prominent peaks at 2θ angles of 38.10°, 46.05°, 64.04°, and 76.36°, corresponding to specific planes. Growth performance results indicated that increasing AgNP concentrations led to a significant rise in body weight, with a final weight of 745.30 g at 12 mg/kg compared to 510.39 g in the control and a reduction in feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 2.78 to 1.59. Carcass evaluation showed the highest dressing and organ weights at 12 mg/kg, while kidney and gizzard weights peaked at lower concentrations. Liver function remained unaffected, while renal function tests showed increased creatinine, urea, globulin, total protein, and albumin values at specific concentrations. Antimicrobial analysis demonstrated reduced fungal and E. coli counts at higher AgNP doses, although aerobic bacterial growth increased. In conclusion, supplementing broiler diets with 12 mg/kg of AgNPs positively impacted growth, carcass traits, liver and renal health, and microbial balance in the intestine.