Comparative antioxidative and hypocholesteremic properties of copper sulphate and copper nanoparticles supplemented in diet of broiler chickens

Abstract

One hundred and forty-four, one-day-old broiler (Arbor Acres strain) chicks were used in a 49-day trial to compare the antioxidative and hypocholesteremic properties of dietary supplemented copper sulphate (CuSO₄) and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP). The birds were divided into four groups of three replicates containing 12 birds each and randomly assigned to copper supplementation groups which were the control group (control diet), and the diet supplemented with 250 ppm CuSO₄, 225 ppm Cu-NP and 275 ppm Cu-NP. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly influenced by copper supplementation except for the glutathione. Albumin level was lowered by copper supplementation with the least values noted in birds supplemented 250 ppm CuSO₄ and 275 ppm Cu-NP. Uric acid was also reduced markedly in birds supplemented with either CuSO₄ or Cu-NP. Total bilirubin increased significantly (P < 0.05) in birds supplemented 225 ppm Cu-NP (0.700 mg/dL) with statistically similar (P > 0.05) values recorded among other groups. Dietary supplementation of 275 ppm Cu-NP (0.73U/L) increased (P < 0.05) blood level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Supplementation of CuSO₄ increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was reduced in the blood of copper supplemented groups, however, only 225 ppm supplementation reduced meat LDL significantly. The study concluded that supplementation of Cu-NP and CuSO₄ can help to reduce oxidative stress in broiler chickens. Also, copper supplementation in excess of the requirement reduced LDL level in the blood of broiler chickens. However, nanocopper at the rate of 225 ppm further reduced LDL concentration in the broiler meat.