Abstract
This research explored the impacts of feed-born silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and whether dietary curcumin supplementation could ameliorate the impacts of AgNPs on growth, hemato-biochemical parameters and digestive enzyme activity. Nine experimental diets were prepared containing 0.00, 0.05, and 0.15 g kg(-1) AgNPs, as well as 0.00, 0.75, and 1.50 g kg(-1) curcumin in a factorial design. Triplicate groups of common carp (4.82 ± 0.41 g) were fed on the test diets for 60 days. The results demonstrated that AgNPs reduced growth performance and enhanced the feed conversion ratio dose-dependently. Supplementing 0.75 g kg(-1) curcumin at a low AgNP level improved the growth rate, while its inclusion at a high AgNP level led to further suppression of growth performance. The highest hematocrit value, hemoglobin concentration and white blood cell count were recorded in the group receiving 0.75 g kg(-1) curcumin. Serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were elevated by increasing AgNP levels. However, curcumin inclusion, particularly at the lower level of AgNPs significantly decreased their values. Similarly, intestinal alkaline protease and lipase activities were progressively reduced by increasing dietary AgNP contents, but, significant improvements were observed by curcumin application at the lower AgNP level. Our results revealed that curcumin supplementation could limit the toxic effects of lower dietary AgNP contents.