This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of curcumin (Cur) and curcumincoated gold (Au) nanoparticles (Cur/Au-NPs) on performance, antioxidant status, immunity in broiler chickens. A total of 500 broiler chickens ROSS 308 were assigned to five dietary treatments: control, Cur-1 (150 mg/kg curcumin), Cur-2 (300 mg/kg curcumin), Cur/Au-NPs-1 (150 mg/kg curcumin + 5 ppmAu-NPs), and Cur/Au-NPs-2 (300 mg/kg curcumin + 5 ppmAu-NPs). Supplementation with Cur/Au-NPs significantly reduced feed conversion ratio, and increased average daily gain compared to the control. Serum and liver antioxidant enzyme activities (Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase) were enhanced in Cur/Au-NPs groups. Malondialdehyde levels were decreased in these groups. Furthermore, serum and hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-6, Interleukin-1β) were reduced. In contrast, antiinflammatory Interleukin-10 was increased. Immunoglobulin concentrations (IgM, IgG, and IgA) in serum were significantly higher in Cur/Au-NPs-treated birds compared to the control group. In Cur/Au-NPs groups, cecal Lactobacilli populations were significantly increased, whereas E. coli counts were decreased. These findings demonstrate that dietary supplementation of Cur/Au-NPs, particularly at 300 mg/kg curcumin, enhanced growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and gut microbial balance in broiler chickens, indicating its potential as a functional feed additive.
