Impact of Oral Administration of Chitosan–nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress Index and Gut Microbiota of Heat Stressed Broilers

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of the administration of chitosan–nanoparticles (ChNP) on body performance, gut microbiota, some immunological parameters, expression of digestibility, and antioxidant-related genes in broilers. A total of 80 one-day-old Ross mixed-sex chicks were divided into two groups (40 birds each) in open door system: Chicks in group 1 were fed a basal diet as control, whereas chicks in group 2, were fed a basal diet, and drinking water supplemented with 50-mg ChNP/L. The experimental period lasted three weeks with a daily observation of body performance. Serum and tissue samples were collected for immunological evaluation, microbiota counts, and estimation of mRNA expression levels. ChNPs supplementation significantly increased beneficial microbiota and diminished coliforms, improved growth performance, kidney functions, total antioxidant capacity, and gene expressions of Glut, CAT1, CAT, SOD, and GPX1 in broilers. In conclusion, supplementation of ChNP led to an upregulation of body performance and antioxidant activity of broiler chicks phenotypically and genotypically.