Laboratory Studies on Effectiveness of AgNP Against Selected Serious Diseases in Poultry Caused by Bacteria

India produced 37 billion eggs, 1.0 million broiler chicken&600000 MT chicken meat every year. It contributes $3.5 billion to the economy & provides employment to more than 3.5 million directly or indirectly.

Poultry sector incurs major financial loss due to certain common diseases caused by microbial infection every year. Silver Nano particles have been found highly effective in combating these infections.Systematic laboratory studies were undertaken to demonstrate the efficacy as well as suitable dose (concentration) against a select number of bacterial pathogens. Following commonly occurring deadly pathogens were selected for the study namely Salmonellagallinarum, Salmonella typhimurium, S. enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus SP. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonasaeruginosa.

Silver Nano particles were produced using bacterial cultures (Bacillus subtilis plus Pediococcus). Their enzymatic action neutralized the harmful ionic silver and also capped the AgNP. The AgNP were also produced through ‘Green Synthesis (using plant extracts).

AgNP showed significant Zone of inhibition against the above mentioned pathogens. The method used for testing was similar to antibiotic assay against the above pathogens.

The concentration of AgNP between 70-120 ppm was found most effective against the above pathogens.

In conclusion, it can be said that use of AgNP in combatting the infectious bacterial diseases in poultry, can help the industry (poultry) to minimize the financial loss caused by several infectious diseases of layers, broilers and breeder birds.

AgNP appear to be the promising candidate in combating poultry diseases especially when most of the available antibiotics currently being used in poultry are becoming of limited use or no-use due to antibiotic resistance being observed in the common infectious diseases in poultry.

Use of AgNP in the commercial poultry farms has given consistent successful results.