In-vivo anticoccidial efficacy of green synthesized iron-oxide nanoparticles using leaf extract of Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) against Emeria tenella infection in broiler chickens

Abstract text

Introduction

Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using botanical extracts has recently fascinated substantial attention due to their environmental protection advantages, their low-cost, and their easy fabrication with the targeted applications.

Objectives & Methods

In the present study, IONPs were synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus racemosa as a reducing and capping agent. These IONPs were evaluated for their impacts on the growth performance, biochemistry, blood profile, and histology in the coccidiodized broiler chicken with Emeria tenella under in vivo conditions. The confirmation of characteristics features of green synthesized IONPs was first obtained using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray absorption (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential and zeta size.

Results

The results indicated that IONPs at the moderate dose of 15 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the coccidial impacts by eliminating oocyst shedding per gram feces (up to 91%) and reducing clinical symptoms (lesions (LS = 0), bloody diarrhea (No), and mortality (0%)) in chicken at day 10 of treatment as compared to the negative control group-B (infected & non-treated). A dose-dependent and time-dependent trend were observed during treatments (10, 15, and 20 mg/kg) of 1-3 weeks using IONPs against the coccidial impacts on the growth parameters (body weight gain, mean feed consumption, feed conversion ratio) and biochemistry (plasma glucose, total protein, uric acid, ALT, AST, and ALP) in chickens. Additionally, F. racemosa IONPs at a dose of 15 and 20 mg/kg significantly recovered the parasitized and highly damaged hepatocytes, liver tissues, and ceca tissues after 1-3 weeks of treatment in broiler chickens. Our findings revealed that green synthesized IONPs at the concentration of 15 mg/kg play an important role in the recovery and growth enhancement in coccidiodized broiler chickens.

Conclusion

Therefore, the green synthesis of IONPs using leaf extract of F. racemosa could be a potential and safe anticoccidial agent with targeted implications in the poultry industry.