The effect of administration of silver nanoparticles to broiler chickens on estimated intestinal absorption of iron, calcium, and potassium

We postulate that Ag accumulated in the intestines may block ion channels or bind with transport proteins responsible for absorption of mineral elements. The objective of the study was to determine whether and to what degree administration of Ag nanoparticles to broiler chickens affects accumulation of Ag in the intestines. An additional objective of the study was to test whether nanosilver affects absorption of Fe, Ca, and K. The experiment was conducted with 126 broiler chickens assigned to 7 treatments with 3 pens per treatment and 6 broiler chickens per pen. The control treatment did not receive Ag nanoparticles. Broiler chickens received Ag nanoparticles (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg body weight/d) via a tube into the crop in three 3-d periods (d 8-10, 22-24, and 36-38) or three 7-d periods (d 8-14, 22-28, and 36-42). After the rearing period (d 42), 6 broiler chickens from each experimental treatment (2 broiler chicken from each pen) with body weight similar to the treatment average were slaughtered. The carcasses were dissected and samples of the jejunum were collected for analysis of absorption of selected minerals. Mineral absorption was tested using the in vitro gastrointestinal sac technique. The study showed that nanosilver supplied via ingestion leads to dose-dependent accumulation of Ag in the intestinal walls. Silver present in the intestines did not interfere with absorption of Ca, but reduced absorption of K and Fe. This was a pilot study and therefore, the research must be continued to definitively verify the results.