Journal of Nanotechnology Nanomedicine & Nanobiotechnology Category: Medical Type: Research Article

Effect of an Aqueous Nanosuspension of Clay Minerals on the Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Internal Organs of Broilers

Nafez Al-Beitawi^1*, Khaled Elshuraydeh², Mohammad Al-Faqeih² and Moroug Zyadeh³: ¹ Department of animal production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, P.O.Box3005, Al-Jubeiha- 11141, Amman, Jordan; ² National center for research and development, The Higher Council for Science and Technology, Amman, Jordan; ³ Department of biology, Faculty of science, Jerash University, Jerash, Jordan

^*Corresponding Author(s):

Nafez Al-Beitawi
Department Of Animal Production, Faculty Of Agriculture, Jordan University Of Science And Technology, Irbid, Jordan, P.O.Box3005, Al-Jubeiha- 11141, Amman, Jordan
Tel:+962 796440448,
Email:beitawi@just.edu.jo

Received Date: Aug 17, 2016

Accepted Date: Mar 14, 2017

Published Date: Mar 31, 2017

DOI:10.24966/NTMB-2044/100013

Abstract

This study examined the effect of different levels (1%, 1.5% and 2%) of an aqueous nanosuspension of clay minerals offered at different intervals (once per week and once every two weeks) compared to tap water with or without antibiotics supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and internal organs measurements of broilers. In all 640 one–day-old unsexed Lohman broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 32 pens (1.15 m × 2.10 m) in an open-sided house (8 treatments × 4 replicates × 20 chicks). A statistical analysis of the results shows that the 2% aqueous nanosuspension of clay minerals offered once every two weeks significantly improved the growth performance, carcass characteristics and internal organs measurements of the broilers. We can conclude that nanotechnology is a promising new tool for improving broiler production; however, additional studies are needed in this field.

Keywords

Aqueous nanosuspension; Broilers; Carcass characteristics; Internal organs

INTRODUCTION

The poultry industry is the fastest growing source of meat, as a result of genetic selection, health management practices and improved nutrition. Consumers are moving from the consumption of whole chickens toward the consumption of cuts and further processed broiler products [1]. The increase in further processing has increased concerns about the quality and control of factors influencing broiler performance, carcass cuts and meat quality.

The growth and development of muscles consists of hyperplasia, where the total number of myofibers increases and hypertrophy, which leads to the increased volume of the individual my fibers [2,3].

The experimental biology symposium entitled "Nanotechnology Research: Applications in Nutritional Sciences" was organized to highlight the emerging applications of nanotechnology in food and nutrition sciences and to suggest ways of further integrating of these emerging technologies with nutrition research. Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, veterinary medicine, animal health and other areas of animal production [4]. Moreover reported that nanotechnology can increase the cost-effectiveness of poultry and meat products with natural properties [5]. In the area of nutrition it is possible to apply nanotechnology in several ways such as obtaining information about a nutrient, avoiding nutrient degradation and obtaining greater availability [6]. Minerals are one of the most widely- used supplements in animal nutrition [7]. Developed highly available nanoparticles of ferric phosphate, demonstrating that the nanoscale of this nutrient increased its nutritional value. However, in research on the mineral nutrition of poultry, several minerals are important. Therefore, this study focuses on the effect of nanotechnology on clay minerals obtained from different areas of Jordan as an inexpensive source of several minerals, and examines their effect on broiler growth performance, carcass characteristics and internal organs measurements compared with or without antibiotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental birds and rearing conditions: A total of 640 one-day-old unsexed Lohman broiler chicks were purchased from a commercial hatchery. The average body weight of the chicks was 40 g. The chicks were randomly allocated into 32 pens (1.15 m × 2.10 m) in an open-sided house (8 treatments × 4 replicates × 20 chicks). Chicks were vaccinated against the Newcastle (ND) HB1 strain and the Infectious Bronchitis (IB) IB120 strains at 7 days of age, the La Sota strain at 21-days of age and against Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) at 13-days of age. Feed and water were offered ad-libitum. The treatments used are listed in table 1. The experimental diets were given once each week or once every two weeks and the other days the chicks were fed the basal rations without any supplementations.

Groups	Receive Diets
Groups	Basal diet	Antibiotics	Vaccines	1% aqueous nanosuspension	1.5% aqueous nanosuspension	2% aqueous nanosuspension
1- Control	+	+	+
2- Control	+		+
3- Control	+
4 (T1)	+			+
5 (T2)	+			+
6 (T3)	+				+
7 (T4)	+				+
8 (T5)	+					+
9 (T6)	+					+

Table 1: Scheme of treatments.
T1- offered one time per week, T2- offered one time per two weeks, T3- offered one time per week, T4- offered one time per two weeks, T5- offered one time per week, T6- offered one time per two weeks

Experimental rations: Chicks were fed a starter ration from one to 21-days of age and a finisher ration from 22 to 36-days of age (Table 2).

Ingredient (g/k)	Starter	Finisher
Corn	615	695
Soybean meal	340	237
Broiler concentrate	20	40
CaCO₃	12.5	12.3
Dicalcium phosphate	7.2	10
NaCl	2.5	2.5
Lysine	0.3	-
Methionine	-	0.7
^*Vitamin-Mineral premix	2.5	2.5
Total	1000g	1000g
Calculated feeding value
Crude protein (%)	22.30	18.73
Metabolizable energy (MJ)	12.30	12.65
Lysine (%)	1.26	1.05
Methionine + Cystine (%)	0.97	0.65
Analyzed feeding value
DM (%)	91.50	91.20
Crude Protein (%)	22.20	18.80

Table 2: Composition of experimental rations.

*Vitamin: mineral Premix: Provided the following: 2,000,000 IU vitamin A; 400,000 IU Vitamin D3; 400 mg Vitamin E; 200mg Vitamin B1; 800 mg Vitamin B2; 4,000 mg Nicotinic acid; 2,000 mg Pantothenic acid; 300 mg Vitamin K; 200 mg Folic acid; 300 mg Vitamin B6; 50 mg Co; 1,600 Cu; 6,421 mg Fe; 156 mg I; 12,800 mg Mn; 32 mg Se; 9,000 mg Zn; 100 mg Choline Chloride.

All rations were formulated to meet the requirements recommended by the strain guide. A randomized sample from each starter and finisher diets were collected for proximate analysis by the procedure described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists [8].

Preparation of clay minerals sample: A sample of clay minerals was used for the preparation of the aqueous nanosuspension used in the experiment. The sample of clay minerals obtained from Jordan was mechanically wet ground to the nano-scale using two adjacent concentric cylinders (inner diameter of the outer cylinder-outer diameter of inner cylinder =1 mm) with a rotating inner cylinder (12,000 rpm) and a fixed outer cylinder at room temperature for 1 minute. The pot time of the aqueous nanosuspension was approximately about one-half hour and the suspensions were further stabilized by mechanical stirring. Samples of the aqueous nanosuspensions were imaged under a transmission electron microscope, and the image revealed the "unite structure" of the clay minerals, i.e., "nano-flake" with length of ca.100 nm and thickness of ca. 1 nm (Figure 1). The chemical composition of the bulk clay mineral materials was analyzed for its major elements. The results from a standard inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry analysis revealed the chemical composition as shown in table 3.

Figure 1: Image reveals the “unite structure” of the clay minerals (nano-flake”).

Element	%
Na₂O	0.13
MgO	3.47
Al₂O₃	20.08
SiO₂	55.67
K₂O	2.45
CaO	2.15
TiO₂	2.54
Fe₂O₃	13.47

Table 3: Chemical composition of clay minerals sample.

Preparation of aqueous nanosuspensions of clay minerals: The aqueous nanosuspensions of clay minerals were prepared with 3 different concentrations (1%, 1.5% and 2%) by adding 10, 15 and 20g of the clay minerals sample respectively to one liter of potable. The pH value of the aqueous nanosuspensions was 8.3-9.1 (alkaline). The above procedure was designed and implemented by Prof. Khaled Elshuraydeh, Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology and vice president of the National Center for Research and Development, Amman, Jordan.

Measurements

Live body weight and feed intake: Live Body Weight (LBW) and Feed Intake (FI) were measured each week. Body Weight Gain (BWG) was calculated on a weekly basis throughout the experimental period (36-days of age). The amount of feed consumed was recorded each week and Cumulative Feed Intake (CFI) was calculated at the end of the experiment (36-days of age). Additionally the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was calculated at 36-days of age.

Carcass characteristics: At the end of the experiment (36-days of age). 5 broiler chickens from each replicate within each treatment were randomly selected and weighed to obtain their LBW. These animals were sacrificed using sharp knife and completely bled and the feathers were plucked. The head viscera and shanks were removed. The carcass was held for one hour to remove excess water. Maintained overnight in a refrigerator at 4 ±1°C and then weighed. The dressing percentage was calculated without the giblets.

The thighs, drumsticks, breasts and wings were separated and weighed individually. Data from these measurements were used to calculate the percentage of each part to the total live weight.

Internal organs: The heart, liver, gizzard, proventriculus, pancreas, spleen and bursa of fabricious gland were individually weighed.

Statistical analysis: Each pen was used as an experimental unit. All statistical analysis were perform using SPSS version 17 [9]. Collected data were statistically analyzed by two ways ANOVA to examine the effects of feeding treatments with or without antibiotics and their interactions. When interaction effect were significant (P<0.05) differences between means were analyzed by least square means comparison. Differences considered significant at (P<0.05).

RESULTS

Growth performance

Performance data (means ± SE) at day 36 of age are presented in table 4. The obtained results show that, the use of 2% concentration of the Aqueous Nanosuspension of clay minerals (ANS) once every two weeks significantly improved the growth performance of broiler chickens in terms of the LBW, BWG and FCR. Moreover the results show that the ANS of clay minerals had a similar effect as the antibiotics.

Treatments Parameters	C I With antibiotics	C II Without antibiotics	1%/1wk ANS	1%/2 wks ANS	1.5%/1wk ANS	1.5%/2wks ANS	2%/1wk ANS	2%/2wks ANS
Live Body Weight (LBW) Kg	2.08±0.02^ab	2.02±0.03^bc	1.95±0.03^d	2.03±0.03^bc	1.99±0.02^cd	2.04±0.03^b	2.04±0.02^b	2.10±0.02^a
Body Weight Gain (BWG) Kg	2.04±0.02^a	1.98±0.03^bc	1.91±0.03^c	1.99±0.03^b	1.95±0.02^bc	2.00±0.03^ab	2.00±0.02^ab	2.06±0.02^a
Cumulative Feed Intake (CFI) Kg	3.43±0.04^a	3.40±0.04^a	3.23±0.03^c	3.30±0.04^b	3.31±0.03^b	3.41±0.03^a	3.37±0.04^ab	3.30±0.03^b
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)	1.65±0.02^bc	1.68±0.01^a	1.66±0.01b^c	1.63±0.01^c	1.66±0.01^ab	1.67±0.01^ab	1.65±0.01^bc	1.57±0.01^d

Table 4: Effect of aqueous nanosuspension of clay minerals on growth performance of broiler chickens at 36-days of age.

a-b means with different superscript in the same row are significantly different at P <0.05.

Carcass characteristics

Results for carcass characteristics parameters (dressing and cuts percentages) at day 36 of age are presented in table 5. The values of the dressing, breasts, thighs and drumsticks significantly increased in birds receiving the ANS of clay minerals (2%) offered once every two weeks. The dressing and cuts percentages were 73.45, 28.25, 12.88 and 10.71 for the dressing, breast, thigh and drumstick, respectively.

Treatmentsparameters	C I With antibiotics	C II Without antibiotics	1%/1wk ANS	1%/2 wks ANS	1.5%/1wk ANS	1.5%/2wks ANS	2%/1wk ANS	2%/2wks ANS
Dressing %	72.27± 0.34^b	68.15±0.27^d	69.76± 0.30^c	72.17±0.28^b	69.85±0.30^c	70.11±0.30^c	70.45±0.35^c	73.45±0.30^a
Breast %	27.45±0.32^b	25.18±0.25^d	26.40±0.35^c	27.42±0.27^b	26.52±0.26^c	26.71±0.30^c	26.80±0.20^c	28.25±0.23^a
Thigh %	12.88±0.20^ab	10.43±0.20^d	11.35±0.27^c	12.60±0.25^b	11.75±0.30^c	12.05±0.26^c	11.60±0.24^c	13.17±0.30^a
Drumstick %	8.72±0.32^c	7.49±0.24^e	7.95±0.20^d	9.17±0.21^b	7.86±0.22^de	9.60±0.30^b	8.15±0.19^d	10.71±0.25^a
Wings %	8.72±0.24^a	5.17±0.15^d	6.56±0.22^c	8.15±0.25^b	6.47±0.20^c	6.62±0.28^c	7.15±0.20^c	8.95±0.20^c

Table 5: Effect of nanosuspension of clay minerals on carcass characteristics of broiler chickens at 36-days of age.
a-e means with different superscript in the same row are significantly different p<0.05.

Internal organs parameters

Table 6 shows the means ± SE of the internal organ parameters at day 36 of age. Notably the use of the 2% ANS of clay minerals offered once every two weeks increased the weights of the heart, liver, gizzard, proventriculus, pancreas, spleen and the bursa of fabric us gland compared with the other treatments.

Treatments parameters	C I With antibiotics	C II Without antibiotics	1%/1wk ANS	1%/2 wks ANS	1.5%/1wk ANS	1.5%/2wks ANS	2%/1wk ANS	2%/2wks ANS
Heart (g)	13.35±0.60^b	11.38±0.53^c	12.79±0.42^b	13.72±0.29^b	11.95±0.27^c	13.45±0.59^b	12.87±0.37^b	14.98±0.67^a
Liver (g)	61.03±0.25	53.52±0.27^e	58.54±0.25^d	64.15±0.28^b	63.15±0.32^c	64.50±0.31^b	63.00±0.29^c	66.90±0.75^a
Gizzard (g)	29.47±0.20^d	25.15±0.19^f	27.45±0.40^e	29.32±0.17^d	26.16±0.15^f	31.48±0.26^c	33.69±0.27^b	36.15±0.26^a
Proventriculus (g)	8.68±0.07^b	7.00±0.05^e	7.72±0.03^d	9.00±0.10^b	8.37±0.09^c	8.75±0.10^b	8.87±0.07^b	9.65±0.10^a
Pancreas (g)	5.50±0.3^d	3.96±0.06^f	4.56±0.02^e	6.45±0.08^b	5.46±0.07^d	6.43±0.2^b	6.12±0.07^c	7.10±0.02^a
Spleen (g)	3.79±0.03^d	2.55±0.01^f	2.65±0.03^e	4.62±0.04^b	3.90±0.04^d	4.35±0.02^c	3.80±0.02^d	4.96±0.07^a
Bursa (g)	7.07±0.03^c	3.56±0.09^g	4.35±0.01^f	8.46±0.05^b	5.47±0.03^e	6.00±0.02^d	6.15±0.02^d	8.97±0.07^a

Table 6: Effect of aqueous nanosuspension of clay minerals on internal organs of broiler chickens at 36-days of age.

a-g means with different superscript in the same row are significantly different p<0.05.

DISCUSSION

Growth performance

We suggest that the favourable results obtained herein could be attributed to the concentration and dose of the nanoflakes of clay minerals. The general approach is to develop nano-size materials or carriers to improve the function of food additives. Minerals are one of the most widely used supplements in poultry nutrition. However, the way forms of the minerals and how they are employed influences their bioavailability. If the minerals have a low bioavailability the animal cannot utilize them and they will be eliminated [10]. It has been reported that the properties of nanoparticles make them attractive for improving the absorption and bioavailability of mixed substances, such as minerals and vitamins [11]. This could explain the improvement in the growth performance of the broiler chickens fed the ANS of clay minerals. Additionally the reason why nanoparticles are so different from larger particles is attributed to two effects: First the effect of quantum points which is a type of nanostructure that behave similarly to a single atom. The second effect is related to those atoms of nonmaterial’s are more stable than those of larger structures. Moreover it has been reported that nanoparticles have a surface area much larger than microparticles [12]. As the size of the nanoparticles decreases, the surface area for chemical reactions increases. Therefore, reactivity increases 1000 times, which may improve the digestion and absorption of the minerals and this is reflected in the improvement in the growth performance of the broiler chickens. Nanotechnology tools could also be applied in broiler nutrition to identify bioactive components their liberation in specific sites of action and for avoiding degradation [6]. To create these tools, much additional research in this field is required.

Carcass characteristics

We suggest that the favourable effects of ANS can be attributed to the concentration and dose of the nanoflakes of clay minerals [10]. reported that nanotechnology has the potential to change the particles of materials from a large scale to nano-scale particles (1 to 300 nanometers in size). At this small size the properties and characteristics can differ considerably with particles of larger sizes [13]. Unfortunately there is a lack or even null information regarding the use of nanotechnology in broiler feeding and nutrition. Minerals are one of the most widely used supplements in poultry nutrition. However minerals are available in a variety of forms, and periodically problems arise due to the lack of knowledge of the composition and/or the stability of the mineral salts. It should also be emphasized that various processes used in manufacturing likely influence minerals bioavailability. If the minerals have a low bioavailability, the bird cannot utilize them, and they will often be eliminated. Additionally the reason why nonmaterial are different from larger particles is due to 2 factors or effects [14]. First quantum points are a type of nanostructure that is a few nanometers in size and they behave in similar manner as a single atom. Second, the atoms of nanomaterials are more stable than those with larger structures because the energy required to join adjacent atoms is less due to surface area. Moreover, stated that nanoparticles have a surface area much larger than microparticles, and as the size of the nanoparticles decreases, the surface area for chemical reactions increases, (reactivity increases 1000 times) which may improve the digestion and absorption of the minerals, and result in the improved growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens [12]. Furthermore, in more recent studies and indicated that nanotechnology affected the expression of genes directly or indirectly responsible for muscle development and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2), which may also explain the improvement in carcass characteristics when an ANS of clay minerals are used [15,16]. In another recent study, reported that the potential applications of nanotechnology in potential and mechanism of nanotechnology in the broiler industry requires more research to gather sufficient knowledge in this field [4].

Internal organs parameters

To our knowledge there is no literature on effect of an aqueous nanosuspension of clay minerals on the internal organs of broiler chickens. Therefore, we will discuss the available literatures in the field of nanotechnology in agriculture specifically in broiler production. We suggest that the favourable effects of the ANS of clay minerals obtained in this study are attributable to the concentration and dose of nanoflakes of clay minerals. For the purpose of the present study, we use the definition endorsed by the National Nanotechnology Institute (NNI), which defines nanotechnology as research and technology development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular scale, used to control the creation and use of structures, and systems with a length of 1-100 nanometers (nm). Such constructs must also have novel properties and functions because of their small size. At this scale, the physical, chemical and biological properties of materials differ fundamentally (and even unexpectedly) from those at larger scales [17]. The general approach is to develop nano-size materials or carriers to improve the function of feed additives. Minerals are one of the most widely used supplements in poultry nutrition. However, the way in which minerals are obtained influences their bioavailability, if they have a low bioavailability, the animal cannot utilize them, and they will be eliminated. Minerals bioavailability can be influenced by many factors. We believe that one another factor causing the positive effect of the ANS in the present study is the improvement of the availability of minerals as a result of treating this clay with nanotechnology tool. Reported that nanoparticles have a surface area much larger than microparticles, which may lead to improved digestion and absorption of minerals, which is then reflected in the improvement of the internal organ weights of the broiler chickens [12]. Sodium (Na+) one of the minerals found in the chemical composition of the ANS of clay minerals is the principle cation of extracellular fluid and is involved in several functions such as the regulation of extracellular fluid volume, acid-base balance, cell membrane potential, and the absorption of glucose and amino acids [18]. This could be another factor explaining the results of this study.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that feeding a 2 % aqueous nanosuspension of clay minerals to broiler chicks once every two weeks could improve growth performance, carcass characteristics and internal organs measurements, which are promising results. Further researches are needed to determine the mechanism of how these nanoparticles affect absorption and utilization of the minerals. Moreover, toxicity studies are strongly recommended to investigate of using clay minerals in the form of aqueous nanosuspension.

REFERENCES

Citation: Al-Beitawi N, Elshuraydeh K, Al-Faqeih M, Zyadeh M (2017) Effect of an Aqueous Nanosuspension of Clay Minerals on the Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Internal Organs of Broilers. J Nanotechnol Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 4: 013.

Copyright: © 2017 Nafez Al-Beitawi, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Journal Highlights

Effect of an Aqueous Nanosuspension of Clay Minerals on the Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Internal Organs of Broilers

*Corresponding Author(s):

Abstract

Keywords

INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Measurements

RESULTS

Growth performance

Carcass characteristics

Internal organs parameters

DISCUSSION

Growth performance

Carcass characteristics

Internal organs parameters

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

Nanotechnology Nanomedicine Nanoparticles Nanomaterials Nanobiotechnology

^*Corresponding Author(s):

Nanotechnology

Nanomedicine

Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials

Nanobiotechnology