Effects of selenium source and level on performance, mortality and meat quality in male broilers

Selenium (Se) is involved in membrane integrity and numerous selenoproteins, and is required by poultry for the maintenance of optimal health and meat quality. This paper reports data from a semi-commercial study examining the effect of Se source and level on broiler performance and meat quality. The interaction between the level of vitamin E and the source of Se was also investigated. Increased dietary Se levels markedly reduced (P<0.05) feed efficiency ratio (FCR) as a result of significantly (P<0.01) lower feed intakes of birds while maintaining the same weight gains. Selenium supplementation improved (P<0.01) feather scores with organic Se being superior to inorganic Se (sodium selenite). Birds receiving organic Se in their diets had improved eviscerated weight (P<0.05), breast yield (P<0.05) and reduced (P<0.01) drip loss. There were significant (P<0.05) level x source interactions on yields of breasts and marylands (thigh plus drumstick), with increased level of organic Se increasing the yields whereas the opposite was true for the inorganic Se.