Effect of silver nanoparticles on the reproductive performance of male Japanese quail

One of the new methods for drinking water disinfection in poultry farms is the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Anti-bacterial effect of silver had been known for disincentive activity of AgNPs. An early low fertility syndrome has been reported in broiler breeding farms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of AgNPs on reproductive performance of male quails as a laboratory model. Twenty-four male quailswere used in four treatments with six replications. The treatments consisted of 0, 12, 36 and 108 ppm of silver nanoparticles, which were consumed in drinking water. Then blood samples and testes were collected after 42 days and body weight, daily sperm production, paired testes weight (g), gonado-somatic index (GSI), testosterone serum concentration and testicular histopathology indices were evaluated. There was significant decrease in the testes absolute weight in two groups of 36 and 108 ppm AgNPs (6.3-6.5 g) compared with control group (8.8 g, P<0.05). The GSI was also significantly (P<0.05) declined in 36 ppm AgNPs group (2.92±0.46%) as compared with control group (3.74±0.47%). The 108 ppm AgNPs group caused a dramatically reduction of daily sperm production (110.6±28.1×106) as compared to control (327.7±94.4×106, P<0.05). One of the most important histopathological findings was a depletion of cells in the seminiferous tubules of testis and spermatogenesis chain and a low density of spermatozoa in the proximal and distal efferent ductules in the 108 ppm AgNPs concentration. The results indicated that silver nanoparticles reduced the male reproductive performance in male quail.