Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels nanoparticles of chromium picolinate (NanoCrPic) on the performance, immune responses, mineral retention, and tissues accumulation of chickens. A total of 180 broilers were randomly allocated into 0 (control), 500 ppb (µg kg^-1) Cr and 3000 ppb Cr groups with 6 replicates (10 birds/pen) for a 35-day experiment, the Cr is nanoparticles of chromium picolinate (NanoCrPic). In addition, 36 birds were used for metabolic experimental investigation. The results of the experimentation indicated that there were no significant differences in average body weight gain between groups, but feed conversion ratio (FCR) in 3000 ppb group was better than control group during 1-21 days. The carcass yields slightly lower in 3000 ppb group than control (p<0.1). Retention ratio of Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and P were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 500 ppb Cr group. The addition of NanoCrPic caused increased mineral concentrations, such as Cr, Ca and P in the subjects’ livers. Furthermore, the addition of NanoCrPic significantly increased lymphocytes and decreased both heterophils and H/L ratio (p<0.05). The ND (Newcastle disease) antibody titer was not affected in the broilers. In conclusion, supplemental NanoCrPic improved the retention of Zn, Fe Ca, notably it increased the concentration of Cr and Ca in the liver, and also increased the number of lymphocytes in broiler chickens.

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