Effect of Ficus carica fruit extract and their green synthesized selenium nanoparticles on production performance, carcass indices and serum biochemical parameters of broilers

Abstract

Syed Makhdoom Hussain, Faisal Jameel, Muhammad Asrar* and Farhat Jabeen

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of <i>Ficus carica</i> Fruit Extract (FCFE) and its biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles (Se-NPs) as phytogenic dietary additive on growth performance, carcass indices, internal organ development, serum biochemical indices and lipid profile of broilers. A total of 180 one-day old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups, each with three replicates. Birds in group A were fed a basal diet without supplementation, group B received the basal diet supplemented with 5 g/kg FCFE per kg basal diet and group C received (0.4 mg/kg) biosynthesized Se-NPs using FCFE fruit extract per kg basal diet. Growth performance was recorded throughout the experiment period, while carcass characteristics, relative organ weights and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated at the end of study trial. Data analysis revealed that dietary supplementation with FCFE and its biosynthesized Se-NPs significantly improved growth performance as compared to the control group. Dietary supplementation resulted in significant increase in serum albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations compared to control group, whereas serum creatinine, urea and bilirubin concentrations were significantly reduced. Despite these improvements in physiological parameters dietary supplementation had no significant effects on serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Very High Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), total protein, globulin, uric acid, carcass characteristics, and relative weights of internal body organs. These findings suggest that FCFE and its biosynthesized Se-NPs have considerable potential as natural, safe and effective plant-derived feed additives for broiler production by improving growth performance while maintaining physiological homeostasis. The biosynthesized Se-NPs exhibited particular promise as a functional feed additive due to their beneficial effects on growth performance and serum biochemical markers without inducing any adverse effect on physiology.