Selenium bioavailability in chicken fed selenium-fertilized wheat

Abstract

The study compares the effects of adding selenium in cereal production by fertilization or later in the food production chain on selenium concentration in broiler. Wheat was produced using either selenate or selenium-enriched yeast as selenium fertilizer. Selenium-enriched yeast was also blended directly into one fodder. Individually fed broilers were fed by one of four different diets with different levels of selenium; from 37 µg to 185 µg selenium kg–1, for 21 days. The selenium concentration in thigh muscle, liver and excreta, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase increased with increasing selenium intake. Broiler weight and feed efficiency ratio was not affected by selenium intake. Diets based on selenium-fertilized wheat or wheat combined with selenium-enriched yeast lead to increased selenium concentration in liver and muscle of broilers. The selenium concentration was three times higher in liver than in muscle; chicken liver may therefore be a good source for selenium.