Effect of varied levels of selenium supplementation in nano form on growth, nutrient intake and digestibility in Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Sixty three weaned male Wistar albino rats (124.3±3.1 g mean body weight) were divided into 9 treatment (T) groups following completely randomized design (CRD) and fed a common basal diet except for selenium (Se) source and levels. While in T1 (control), no Se was supplemented; in T2 and T3, 150 ppb Se was supplemented as nano Se and sodium selenite, respectively. The rats in T4, T5, T6 and T7 were supplemented nano Se at 75, 37.5, 18.75 and 9.375 ppb levels respectively. The rats in T8 and T9 were supplemented 300 ppb Se as nano Se and sodium selenite respectively. The experimental feeding lasted for a period of 13 weeks including a digestion trial of 5 days after 40 days of experimental feeding. The intake and digestibility of DM, OM, EE, CF, NFE and CP were similar (P>0.05) among different treatment groups, however CP digestibility was significantly (P 0.05) among the nine groups. The apparent Se absorption was significantly (P<0.001) higher in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P<0.05) higher and feed: gain ratio was significantly (P<0.05) lowered in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The results suggested that nano Se supplementation up to 300 ppb had no adverse effect on growth, nutrient intake and digestibility in male Wistar albino rats and nano Se supplementation at 150 ppb exerted a positive effect on growth, protein utilization and apparent selenium absorption in male Wistar albino rats.