Affiliation:
1. Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Abstract
Relevance. Today, the livestock industry is facing a serious problem associated with unbalanced nutrition of farm animals, which does not allow to fully realize the full potential of the industry. In this regard, it is necessary to conduct research aimed at finding a solution to this problem and developing ways to provide animals with good nutrition. The aim of this study was to study the effect of ultrafine particles (UFP) of copper and iron on mineral metabolism and microbial diversity of the caecum of broiler chickens on a semi-synthetic diet.Methods. Experimental studies to assess the effect of ultrafine particles of copper and iron on the metabolism of broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross, which are on a semi-synthetic diet, were carried out on 120 week-old broiler chickens, which were divided into 4 groups (n = 30) by the method of pairs of analogues. The birds received a semi-synthetic diet (SR) and a semi-synthetic diet deficient in trace elements in our modification (SDR). The I experimental group received UFP Cu at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg of feed, and the II experimental group received UFP Fe at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg of feed.Results. Absorption and metabolism of ultrafine parts of copper and iron in the body of a bird depend on the physico-chemical properties, such as size, shape and method of administration, as well as the dose of ultrafine particles of copper and iron. Therefore, the present results are an important indication of the potential for using UHF as an effective source of Cu and Fe for broilers.