The effect of selenium source on the performance and meat quality of broiler chickens

The effect of dietary supplementation of selenium in an organic form on performance, carcass traits and selenium content in tissues of broiler cockerels Ross 308 was studied. The soya-wheat-maize diet contained 50 mg vitamin E/kg. The experiment was conducted on 810 straight-run broiler cockerels randomly divided into 3 groups: group I – control, without selenium supplement; experimental group: II – 0.3 mg Se/kg, Se-enriched yeast was applied as a Se source; III – 0.3 mg Se/kg, Se-enriched alga Chlorella as a Se source. The broiler chickens were slaughtered at 42 days of age. In performance traits higher (P ≤ 0.05) live weight of broiler chickens was recorded in the experimental groups (II – 2 430.6 g and III – 2 425.2 g). There were no significant differences between the groups in feed conversion and mortality. Se-enriched alga had the best feed conversion, and selenium supplementation slightly increased mortality in both experimental groups. No significant differences between the groups were found out in carcass traits and dressing percentage. The content of selenium in breast and thigh muscle, feathers and excrements increased (P ≤ 0.05) in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Higher values in breast and thigh muscle and in feathers were measured in the group supplemented with selenium from Se-enriched yeast, also in comparison with the group supplemented with selenium from Se-enriched alga Chlorella. The broiler chickens receiving Chlorella had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) selenium content in excrements compared to the group with Se-enriched yeast. The selenium concentration in liver was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in both experimental groups compared to the control. The supplement of selenium from Se-yeast and Chlorella in the diet for broiler chickens increased the microelement concentration in muscle.