Determination of the use possibilities of silver nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis method from smilax excelsa in laying hens

In this study, the effects of Smilax excelsa leaf extract and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from the extract added to the mixed feed of laying hens (Lohman LSL, 38 weeks old) on performance, egg albumen pH, egg yolk color values, and egg oxidant-antioxidant levels were investigated. Three groups of 24 hens (N=24) were formed using individual four-tiered cages with a total of 72 hens in each group. The control (C) group was fed basal diet. The treatment groups were fed basal diet with 30 mg/kg Smilax excelsa leaf extract (SYE) and 15 mg/kg silver nanoparticles (SYE-AgNPs) synthesized from Smilax excelsa leaf extract. The experiment lasted 9 weeks, including a one-week acclimation period. The hens were provided with feed and water ad libitum. A 16-h daily photoperiod was applied. In the study, production performance (live weight gain, egg weight, egg mass, egg production, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio); egg albumen pH and egg yolk color values (L, a, b); egg antioxidant capacity (DPPH radical scavenging activity), and lipid peroxidation (TBARs) were evaluated. According to the findings of the study, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of egg weight (P=0.001), egg mass (P<0.05) and feed consumption (P=0.001). It was determined that SYE added to the mixed feed negatively affected these production parameters. Egg yolk color and DPPH radical scavenging activity were not affected by the additives in the mixed feed (P>0.05). However, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of egg albumen pH (P<0.05) and malondialdehyde concentration (P<0.05). The lowest albumen pH was observed in the SYE-AgNPs group, while the lowest TBARs values were observed in both the SYE and SYE-AgNPs groups. It was demonstrated that 30 mg/kg of the extract in the diets feed and 15 mg/kg of AgNPs synthesized from the extract slowed egg lipid oxidation. Consequently, it was concluded that dose studies would be important because the tannins contained in Smilax excelsa plant added to the diets feed of laying hens could negatively affect performance parameters. Furthermore, it is believed that further studies investigating more effective doses of silver nanoparticles synthesized from this plant in poultry diets could contribute significantly to the literature.