Nanomaterials have gained increasing attention because of their novel properties, including a large specific surface area and high reaction activity due to rapid development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials with various shapes and diameters have been prepared and used in some industrial products and commodities. Zinc is a one of the most important cofactor in enzymes involved in DNA transcription and protein synthesis. DNA transcription is a main part of germ cell development therefore zinc may have an important role in reproductive performance. In this study the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on fertility and hatchability traits in japanese quail were studied. Male (n=25) and female (n=75) Japanese quails were fed in concentrations of 0, 20, 60, 180 ppm of zinc oxide nanoparticles and one group fed 60 ppm of common form of zinc from one day to a 30-wk production period. Each treatment was replicated five times that a male with three females were kept in the cage for each replicate. After collecting the eggs, set in an incubator. An observation using SAS software and statistical analysis using GLM ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range tests were used to compare means. Results showed that there were no significant differences in hatchability of total egg, hatchability of fertile egg and embryonic mortality (P>0.05) of groups that fed the zinc oxide nanoparticles as compared with a group that fed common form of zinc. Fertility of total eggs significantly decreased in the group that received 180 ppm zinc oxide nanoparticles. Considering the results obtained that it may be considered that 60 ppm of common form of zinc may be replaced by 20 ppm zinc oxide nanoparticles and 180 ppm has a side effect on reproductive performance in japanese quail.
