Impact of Copper Nanoparticles on Productive Performance, IGF-1 Gene Expression, Oxidative and Immune Status, and Carcass Traits in Two Different Broiler Breeds

Poultry is a valuable sector of animal production to meet rising protein demands. Strategies of nanotechnology and genetics have improved chicken production. This study examined the impact of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) on productivity, carcass traits, Insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) gene expression, oxidative and immune status in Ross 308 and Hubbard broilers. Ninety-six one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 12): G1 (Female Ross 308), G2 (Male Ross 308), G5 (Female Hubbard), and G6 (Male Hubbard) received Cu-NPs 20 mg/kg in drinking water, while G3 (Female Ross 308), G4 (Male Ross 308), G7 (Female Hubbard), and G8 (Male Hubbard) as controls with free water. The chicks were raised for 35 days under suitable conditions on a commercial diet and had free access to water. Weekly feed intake (WFI) and live body weight (LBW) were recorded. Three birds from each group were selected and slaughtered (Approved ethically with number 2021073/2021). Blood samples were collected for serum separation for Immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) estimation. Liver and breast muscle samples were preserved in RNA later for gene expression analysis using Real-time PCR. The slaughtered birds were dressed, eviscerated, and chopped to evaluate the carcass characteristics. The results revealed a significant (p