Dietary Impact of Silymarin and Nano Zinc on Growth Performance and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to explore the effect of dietary supplementation of silymarin and nano-zinc supplementation on growth performance and antioxidant status of broiler chicks. 144-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb-400) were used in this experiment. Chicks were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 36) and each group was distributed into three replications, 12 in each. Group I acted as the control and offered a basal diet without supplementation of silymarin and nano zinc, however, groups II, III, and IV were provided basal diet with supplementation of silymarin (800 mg/kg feed) as milk thistle extract, zinc (20 mg/kg feed) as nano zinc, and a combination of silymarin (800 mg/kg feed) and nano zinc (20 mg/kg feed), respectively, from day old to 42 days of the experiment. The body weight and feed consumption were recorded at weekly intervals with digital electronic balance. The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were computed with the help of body weight and feed consumption. The blood samples were collected at 21st and 42nd day of 42 days of experiment period for the estimation of antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) and biochemical status (Total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase). The silymarin and nano-zinc supplementation did not affect the body weight and feed consumption. However, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (P<0.05) improved in groups that received both the supplementation as compared to the all other groups. The total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase was increased significantly (P<0.05) and thiobarituric acid reactive substance decreased significantly (P<0.05) in broilers who received either silymarin, nano-zinc alone or their combination than control group of broilers. The total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations showed a increase (P<0.05) in the blood plasma of broilers fed on diet contained supplemental silymarin and nano-zinc than control. However, silymarin and nano-zinc supplementation reduced the levels blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. The present result showed that silymarin and nano-zinc supplementation improved the growth performance, antioxidant status, liver and kidney functions of broiler chicks