Copper nanoparticles effectively reduce Salmonella Enteritidis in broiler chicken diet and water

The use of copper nanoparticles (CuNP) in the diet of broiler chickens has been studied as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. This study aimed to analyse the antimicrobial properties of CuNP in the feed and water of broiler chickens against Salmonella Enteritidis and to assess the intestinal integrity and toxicity of CuNP supplementation in their diet. The antimicrobial activity of CuNP against S. Enteritidis was tested in microplates to evaluate three water samples with different mineral compositions and in an in vitro digestibility model that simulated the three primary intestinal compartments of birds to assess feed samples. To evaluate in vivo intestinal integrity and toxicity, the birds were divided into four groups (30 birds per group): (1) basal diet (control); (2) basal diet + CuNP (100 ppm); (3) basal diet + enramycin (10 ppm); and (4) basal diet + CuNP (100 ppm) + enramycin (10 ppm). Intestinal samples were collected for histomorphometric evaluation and lactic acid bacteria count, while chest muscle and whole blood samples were collected to determine copper content. A significant reduction in the S. Enteritidis count was observed in both in vitro treatments (water and feed) with CuNP inclusion, compared to the control group. No significant differences in histomorphometric measurements, weight gain, or total lactic acid bacterial counts were found compared to those in the control. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of CuNP in reducing the occurrence of S. Enteritidis and their non-interference with the intestinal integrity of broiler chickens, highlighting the potential of CuNP as an alternative antimicrobial agent in the poultry production chain.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSSupplementation with CuNP in feed and water reduced Salmonella Enteritidis count.Supplementation with CuNP did not affect intestinal integrity of broilers.CuNP did not affect weight gain or total lactic acid bacterial counts.The results demonstrate the potential of CuNP as alternative antimicrobials.