Evaluation of the effect of ZnO nanoparticles at different concentrations on reproductive characteristics and hematological parameters on male Japan's quails

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the physiological and reproductive effects of nano zinc oxide added to the feed of male quails. One hundred twenty males were used and randomly distributed into four treatments with three replicates in a closed hall equipped with ventilation fans as follows: control (birds were fed a standard
diet without any additives) or 40, 50, and 60 mg of nano zinc oxide/kg feed. The results showed that nano zinc oxide led to a significant increase in the blood characteristics of male birds in 60 mg/kg feed. The body weight escalated in the 50 and 60 mg/kg feed to the other treatments. The results also showed a significant increase in the relative weight of the right and left testicles, and the relative weight of the seminal vesicle and vasa in 50 and 60 mg of nano zinc oxide. There was an improvement in sperm count and the percentage of live sperm, as well as an increase in testosterone levels. Conversely, the percentage of dead and deformed
sperm decreased. This study showed that treating quail with nano-zinc oxide at a concentration of 60 mg/kg of feed for 42 days gave the best results, leading to improved blood characteristics in terms of increased hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and packed cell volume, in addition to increased live body weight, male reproductive organ weight, sperm count, live sperm percentage, a significant increase in testosterone levels, and a significant decrease in the number of dead and malformed sperm. Therefore, this study recommends using this concentration to improve male reproductive efficiency.