ABSTRACT
Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have promising positive effects on animal performance, feed utilization, antioxidant status, and immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the ZnO-Nps on some biochemical parameters of male Barki lambs fed on adlibitum and restricted diets. 300 post-weaning Barki lambs were selected and randomly grouped into 6 groups; Group 1(G1), group 2(G2), and group3 (G3) received adlibitum ration with 0 mg/kg, 15mg/ kg, and 30mg/kg ZnO NPs, respectively, while G4, G5, G6 were fed on a restricted ration containing 0 mg/kg, 15mg/ kg and 30 mg/kg ZnO-NPs, respectively. A significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and uric acid levels between treated G3 (30 mg ZnO-Nps). Lambs fed on rations supplemented with 15mg/kg ZnO-NPs, showed a significant difference in total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, and HDL levels compared with the control groups (G1 and G4). Both 15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg of ZnO-NPs showed significant differences in zinc, and iron while selenium levels were not significantly affected. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels showed significant reduction between both treated groups (15 mg and 30 mg ZnO-Nps) and the control group. While, glutathione (GSH), and sodium oxide dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly increased. ZnO-NPs enhanced the growth rate and weight gain of fattening Barki lambs without adverse impacts on the liver and kidney functions at levels of 15mg/kg and 30mg/kg. These results were not significantly affected by the feeding method used.