Affiliation:
1. Institute , Fuzhou 350013 , China
2. of Animal , Fuzhou 350013 , China
3. Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Fuzhou 350013 , China
4. College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou 350002 , China
Abstract
Abstract
New feed additives as antibiotics substitutes are in urgent need in poultry production. Nano-composite of copper and carbon (NCCC), a novel copper donor with stronger antibacterial properties, is expected to promote broiler growth and diminish the negative effects of excess copper (Cu). Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of NCCC on growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant ability of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 240 1-d-old male yellow-feathered broilers were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with five replications per group and 12 birds per replication. The CON group was fed corn-soybean basal diets, while the N50, N100, and N200 groups were supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of NCCC in basal diets, respectively. The trial lasted for 63 d. The results demonstrated that only 200 mg/kg NCCC addition significantly increased the Cu content in serum and feces, and liver Cu content linearly increased with NCCC dosage increment (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, NCCC supplementation did not alter the growth performance, slaughter performance, immune organ indexes, and liver antioxidant ability of broilers (P > 0.05), but optimized the serum cytokine pattern by elevating the level of serum IL-10 (P < 0.05), and there were linear and quadratic increases in serum IL-4 with NCCC dosage increment (P < 0.05). On the whole, in spite of no impact on growth performance, 50 mg/kg NCCC was optimal to supplement in chicken diets due to the rise of serum IL-10 level and no extra environmental pollution and tissue residues.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province
Modern Poultry Industry System of Fujian Province
Science and Technology Innovation Special Fund of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Genetics,Animal Science and Zoology,General Medicine,Food Science