Effects of Nano-Iron Sulfide on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers, and Tolerance Evaluation

Abstract

Simple Summary Iron is an essential mineral for broiler growth due to its oxygen-carrying function and maintenance of energy homeostasis. Plant-based diets supplemented with inorganic iron are commonly applied in broiler feed because of their low cost, but their low absorption rate and bioavailability increase the need for alternative iron sources. In this study, a nano-formed iron sulfur (nFeS), previously proved to have multivarious functions with high biocompatibility, is investigated as an iron supplement in broilers regarding its effects on growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion rate, systemic antioxidant status as represented by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, tissue iron deposition, breast meat quality as represented by color, postmortem pH, drip loss and shear force, and intestinal microbiota. A tolerance evaluation confirmed that at doses of up to 400 mg/kg, nFeS did not negatively impact broilers. Excessive iron was excreted within 3 days after completion of treatment. nFeS is an effective iron supplement with high bioavailability and comparability and it shows benefits in shaping intestinal microbiota.