Inorganic Se Sources Research Articles

Enhancing the nutritional values of egg yolks of laying hens by different dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin e and trace elements

The present study aims to investigate the effect of whole flaxseed (WFS), fish oil (FO), and different sources of Se, Zn, and Fe on lipid metabolites, antioxidant status, immunity, egg yolks’ minerals (Se, Zn and Fe) and fatty acids and eggs’ lipid and health index in laying hens. A total of 144 hens were divided into 6 groups with 6 replicated of 4 hens each. The laying hens were fed diets containing 0, 7.5 % whole flaxseed (WFS)+1.5 % fish oil (FO), 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+175 mg kg-1 vitamin E (VE), 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+ 175 mg kg-1 VE +inorganic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (ISeZnFe), 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+175 mg kg-1 VE+ organic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (OSeZnFe) and 7.5 %WFS+1.5 % FO+ 175 mg kg-1 VE +nano-source of Se, Zn, and Fe (NSeZnFe) from 40 to 50 weeks of age. Results clarified that incorporation of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe increased serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratio, while reduced LDL-cholesterol and the hypercholesteremia index (RHCH) in comparison with control. Dietary 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe increased concentrations of total antioxidants capacity and vitamin E and reduced concentrations of malonaldehyde (MDA) in blood serum and egg contents. Interestingly, dietary inclusion of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe, or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe increased α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 PUFAs concentrations in egg yolk, while reduced arachidonic acid (ARA) in the egg yolks, whereas n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio was decreased significantly. Moreover, incorporation of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe, or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe improved egg health indices. It might be concluded that, inclusion of 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+OSeZnFe, or 7.5 %WFS+1.5 %FO+VE+NSeZnFe in hens’ diets had a positive effect on antioxidative properties in blood serum and eggs yolks contents; at the same time, it improved the egg yolk lipids, fatty acids and its related health and nutritional indices.

Dietary microalgal-fabricated selenium nanoparticles improve Nile tilapia biochemical indices, immune-related gene expression, and intestinal immunity

BackgroundFeed supplements, including essential trace elements are believed to play an important role in augmenting fish immune response. In this context, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in fish diets via a green biosynthesis strategy have attracted considerable interest. In this investigation, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 79.26 nm) synthesized from the green microalga Pediastrum boryanum were incorporated into Nile tilapia diets to explore its beneficial effects on the immune defense and intestinal integrity, in comparison with control basal diets containing inorganic Se source. Nile tilapia (No. 180, 54–57 g) were fed on three formulated diets at concentrations of 0, 0.75, and 1.5 mg/kg of SeNPs for 8 weeks. After the trial completion, tissue bioaccumulation, biochemical indices, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokine-related genes, and intestinal histological examination were analyzed.ResultsOur finding revealed that dietary SeNPs significantly decreased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cholesterol, while increasing (P < 0.05) high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The Se concentration in the muscle tissues showed a dose-dependent increase. SeNPs at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg significantly upregulated intestinal interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) gene transcription compared with the control diet. Glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione synthetase (GSS) genes were significantly upregulated in both SeNPs-supplemented groups compared with the control. No apoptotic changes or cell damages were observed as indicated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 gene expression and evidenced histopathologically. SeNPs supplementation positively affects mucin-producing goblet cells (GCs), particularly at dose of 1.5 mg/kg.ConclusionTherefore, these results suggest that Green synthesized SeNPs supplementation has promising effects on enhancing Nile tilapia immunity and maintaining their intestinal health.

Egg Quality, Sensory Attributes, and Protein Metabolites of Laying Hens Fed Whole Flaxseed, Fish Oil, and Different Sources of Trace Elements.

This study evaluated the effects of whole flaxseed (WFS), fish oil (FO), and different sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (inorganic, organic, and nano-source) on egg production, quality, sensory attributes, and serum protein metabolites in laying hens. A total of 144 hens were divided into six groups with six replicates of four hens each. Hens were fed six diets as follows: 1) control diet; 2) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO; 3) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg vitamin E (VE); 4) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + inorganic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (ISeZnFe); 5) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + organic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (OSeZnFe); 6) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + nano-source of Se, Zn, and Fe (NSeZnFe) from 40-50 weeks of age. Laying hens fed 7.5% WFS, 1.5% FO, and different sources of trace elements in their diets had no negative effects on laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight change, or survival rate compared to that of hens fed the control diet. Dietary treatments did not negatively affect the external and internal egg characteristics or egg sensory attributes. Feeding 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+ISeZnFe positively influenced yolk color in fresh eggs. Dietary treatments had a significant impact on egg nutritional composition, with the highest levels of macronutrients found in eggs from hens fed the 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+NSeZnFe treatment. The highest plasma globulin concentrations were observed in hens fed organic and nano-source trace elements. The same diets reduced plasma uric acid levels. Based on these findings, the inclusion of organic or nano-source trace minerals in diets containing WFS and FO positively affected egg quality and hen protein metabolites.

Sulfur levels regulate the absorption and utilization of selenite in rapeseed (Brassica napus)

Selenium (Se) is a necessary trace element that contributes to the health of humans and animals alike. Humans rely on the consumption of Se-rich plants to achieve adequate levels of the nutrient, but many crop-growing regions are unable to keep up with demand through conventional agriculture alone. Hydroponic cultivation with inorganic Se sources such as selenate or selenite represents a valid opportunity for biofortification in plants. This method is largely free from dependence on local Se resources, and the appropriate optimizations of hydroponic ingredients have previously demonstrated improved plant Se. However, effective strategies to improve the absorption and utilization efficiency of selenite at physiological levels remain scarce. In this study, we manipulated sulfate levels in a selenite-containing hydroponic solution and found that a decreased supply was able to elevate Se contents more than 6-fold in the shoots of rapeseed seedlings, but only had a slight effect in the roots. Additionally, this low sulfur environment increased the root-to-shoot Se translocation efficiency by more than 6 times. Our Se speciation analysis showed that a large proportion of the root-absorbed selenite was transformed into organic forms under a normal sulfate supply, and that selenate and SeMeCys represent the main Se species involved in root-to-shoot translocation. A reduction in sulfate supply was also found to induce the upregulation of genes related to selenate distribution and a key rate-limiting step for organic Se biosynthesis. These findings are consistent with the dramatically enhanced accumulation of SeMet and selenate in both roots and shoots. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the regulation of sulfur levels has a great potential for the improvement of the Se enrichment efficiency in economically valuable aboveground organs of selenite-treated plants.

Effects of organic and inorganic selenium on selenium bioavailability, growth performance, antioxidant status and meat quality of a local beef cattle in China.

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient with multiple health benefits to humans and animals. Cattle generally require dietary Se supplementation to meet their daily requirements. The two main forms of dietary Se in cattle are organic Se and inorganic Se. Data comparing the health and productivity effects of organic Se and inorganic Se on cattle are still insufficient, and it is necessary to conduct more research to evaluate the bioavailability, nutritional value, deposition, and body functions of Se sources in different breeds and physiological stages of cattle raised in areas with different Se levels. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of organic and inorganic sources of Se on plasma biochemical indices, Se bioavailability, deposition in body tissues and organs, growth performance, antioxidant capacity and meat quality of beef cattle raised in Se-deficient areas. Fifteen Chinese Xiangzhong Black beef cattle with an average weight of 254.5 ± 8.85 kg were assigned to three dietary groups. The three groups were fed the same basal ration and supplemented with either an inorganic [sodium selenite (SS)] or organic [selenomethionine (SM) or Se-enriched yeast (SY)] source of Se (0.1 mg/kg dry matter) for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, three cattle from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered, and samples were collected from tissues and organs for analysis. The results revealed that growth performance, slaughter performance, Se content of tissues and organs, meat quality characteristics including chemical composition, pH45min, pH24h, drip loss, and cooking losses did not differ (p > 0.05) due to supplementation of the different organic and inorganic sources of Se. SM and SY were more effective in increasing (p < 0.05) immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations in the blood and reducing (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the longissimus dorsi than SS. In conclusion, organic Se is more effective than inorganic Se in improving the immune and antioxidant capacity of Chinese Xiangzhong Black beef cattle.

Selenium Speciation in Se-Enriched Soybean Grains from Biofortified Plants Grown under Different Methods of Selenium Application

Since soybean is widely cultivated around the world and has a high protein content, it is a great nutritional vehicle for increasing the dietary uptake of selenium (Se). Several studies have evaluated biofortification with Se through fertilizer application in several crops. However, it is not clear how each method and source affect the total Se content or Se species in soybean grains. This work aimed to assess the total Se content and Se speciation in Se-enriched soybean grains produced under different Se application methods in the field. The treatments consisted of Se application (soil or foliar), using organic or inorganic Se sources at 10 g ha-1 or 80 g ha-1, in two genotypes. The results showed that all treatments with inorganic Se (soil and foliar) increased the Se content in grains compared with the control. More than 80% of the total Se in grains was present as selenomethionine (SeMet), and the speciation was affected by the Se source and the method of application. The treatments using inorganic Se, applied via soil or foliar, produced the highest content of Se as SeMet in soybean grains. Finally, we propose that the preservation of the Se species in products derived from soybean grains be evaluated as the following step.

Short-term effects of dietary selenium on lactating sows to improve litter performance, milk composition and tissue selenium retention in piglets.

This study was conducted to evaluate the short-term effects of dietary selenium supplementation on lactating sows on the physiological response, litter performance, milk composition, and tissue selenium retention in piglets when selenium was provided by different sources and at different levels in a lactation diet. A total of 48 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight, backfat thickness, and parity were assigned to one of the four treatments with 12 sows per treatment using a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Inorganic or organic Se sources were added to the diet at 0.30 ppm and 0.50 ppm Se. Treatments were as follows: i) IS30, basal diet + inorganic Se 0.30 ppm; ii) IS50, basal diet + inorganic Se 0.50 ppm; iii) OS30, basal diet + organic Se 0.30 ppm; and iv) OS50: basal diet + organic Se 0.50 ppm. At Day 21 of lactation, a high tendency of litter weight (p = 0.08) and litter weight gain (p = 0.09) were observed when sows were fed an organic Se source. The milk Se concentration in the organic Se treatment was higher than that in the inorganic Se treatment at Day 21 of lactation (p<0.05). The serum Se concentrations of sows and piglets at Day 21 of lactation were significantly higher when lactating sows were fed organic Se instead of inorganic Se (p<0.01). During the suckling period, the kidney and muscle Se concentrations of piglets at Day 21 of lactation were significantly higher when the sow dietary Se source was organic (p<0.05). Liver Se concentrations were affected by Se source and level (p<0.05). This also resulted in an interaction response at 21 days of lactation (p<0.05). The supplementation of dietary organic Se in a lactating diet could improve sow feed consumption, piglet performance, milk Se level, and the Se status of sows and piglets.

Effects of selenium source and level on the physiological response, reproductive performance, serum Se level and milk composition in gestating sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium (Se) source and level on the physiological response, reproductive performance, serum Se level, and milk composition in gestating sows. A total of 54 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight (BW), backfat thickness (BF), and parity were assigned to one of five treatments with 10 or 11 sows per treatment using a 2×2 factorial arrangement with one additional treatment in a completely randomized design. Inorganic or organic Se (IS or OS) sources were added to the diet at 0.30 ppm and 0.50 ppm Se. A non-Se-fortified corn-soybean meal basal diet served as a negative control. Treatments were as follows: i) Control: corn-soybean based diet, ii) IS30: control+inorganic Se 0.30 ppm, iii) IS50: control+inorganic Se 0.50 ppm, iv) OS30: control+ organic Se ppm, and v) OS50: control+organic Se 0.50 ppm. At day 21 of lactation, piglet weight and weight gain in the OS treatments were higher than those in the IS treatments (p<0.05). Meanwhile, adding 0.5 ppm Se also resulted in the same significant differences in piglet BW and weight gain (p<0.05). Colostrum and milk Se concentrations increased (p<0.05) with Se level for both Se sources but were greater when sows were fed organic Se (p<0.05). Except for 24 hours postpartum, the Se concentrations were higher when sows were fed organic Se (p<0.05). Sow serum Se content was greater as Se levels increased from 0.3 ppm to 0.5 ppm at day 110 of gestation, 24 hours postpartum and day 21 of lactation (p<0.05). The pig serum Se concentration increased as the dietary Se level increased (p<0.05) and was higher when the sow dietary Se source was organic (p<0.05). Organic Se 0.5 ppm also had the highest serum Se level at two measured points (p<0.05). Consequently, supplementation with organic Se or 0.5 ppm Se in a gestating diet could improve piglet performance, the Se status of sows and piglets and milk composition, but organic Se at 0.5 ppm is optimal.

Effects of Dietary Selenium Sources on Physiological Status of Laying Hens and Production of Selenium-Enriched Eggs.

Developing new sources of organic selenium (Se) has potential benefits for animal production and human nutrition via animal-based foods enriched with Se. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Se-enriched insect protein (SEIP) in comparison with other sources, such as sodium selenite (SS) and selenium-enriched yeast (SEY), on performance, egg quality, selenium concentration in eggs, serum biochemical indices, immune capacity, and intestinal morphology of laying hens. Four hundred and fifty 24-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens with 94.0 ± 1.5% laying rate were randomly allocated to five groups with six replicates of 15 hens each. The control diet was prepared without adding exogenous selenium (calculated basal Se content of 0.08 mg/kg). The normal group was fed basal diets supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of Se provided by sodium selenite. Three treatment groups (SS, SEY, and SEIP, respectively) were fed basal diets supplemented with 2 mg/kg of Se provided by sodium selenite, Se-enriched yeast, and SEIP, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks. Results revealed that dietary supplementation of 2 mg/kg of Se increased egg weight, decreased feed conversion ratio, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of eggs in laying hens relative to the control group, whereas no significant differences were observed among SS, SEY, and SEIP treatment groups for the same. The organic source of Se provided by SEY or SEIP showed higher bio efficiency, as indicated by higher selenium content in eggs of SEY and SEIP compared with SS, although higher content was observed in SEY compared with SEIP. Also, the organic Se source significantly improved antioxidant capacity and immune functions of laying hens than the inorganic Se source. Diets supplemented with SEIP and SS significantly improved jejunal morphology of the laying hens compared with SEY, whereas SEIP was more effective than SEY to improve the oviduct health of laying hens. The results of this work evidently points the additive effect and nontoxicity of SEIP. Thus, SEIP could be used as another organic source of Se in the diet of laying hens and production of selenium-enriched eggs for humans.

Effect of selenium supplementation on productive performance and antioxidant status of broilers under heat stress: a meta-analysis and a meta-regression

Heat stress and a high metabolic rate of broilers increase the production of reactive oxygen species, which must be removed by antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) is a potent antioxidant as it is a structural part of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Dietary supplementation of Se can help reduce the oxidative stress caused by heat-stress conditions. The aim was to evaluate the effect of Se supplementation on the performance and antioxidant status of broilers under heat stress, by using a meta-analysis approach, and to quantify the contribution to heterogeneity of the explanatory variables through a meta-regression procedure. A database of 74 trials was created from 56 published studies that met the following inclusion criteria: papers that reported a measure of effect size, sample size, measure of variability and random procedure. The response variables were GPx and malondialdehyde concentrations, DM intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion rate. Broiler line, Se source, and dosage, heat-stress level, days of experimentation, sample source (blood, liver or meat) and basal Se concentration were considered to be explanatory variables. All statistical analyses were performed in R software, by using the ‘meta’ and ‘Metafor’ packages for meta-analysis and meta-regression respectively. High concentrations of GPx were found in Se-supplemented broilers (&amp;gt;1.76; P = 0.001), in comparison to control groups. However, when the random model was applied to GPx studies, it showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 95.4%), which was reduced (I2 = 61.5) when heat-stress temperature, Se source and its dosage and tissue sample were included as covariates in the meta-regression analysis. The highest standard mean difference of GPx was founded in studies that reported supplementation with inorganic Se sources (2.92), in comparison to supplementation with organic and nano-Se sources (1.66 and 1.44 respectively). The standard mean differences of malondialdehyde and feed conversion rate were significantly lower (&amp;lt;0.66 and &amp;lt;0.11 respectively) in supplemented broilers. Heterogeneity of all variables decreased when the explanatory variables were included in the mixed-regression model. Our findings confirmed that Se supplementation improves the broiler’s antioxidant status and productive performance. However, the response level was affected by dosage and source of Se and the level of heat stress.

Comparative assessment of sodium selenite, selenised yeast and nanosized elemental selenium on performance response, immunity and antioxidative function of broiler chickens

Although selenium (Se) supplementation is a common practice in poultry, the best source and level has not been established yet. Thus, a 42-day experiment involving diets with three levels (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg) of supplemental Se from sodium selenite (SS), selenised yeast (SY) and nanoelemental Se (SN) was conducted to evaluate the possible differential responses of broiler chickens to inorganic, organic and nano Se sources relative to a control diet. Throughout the experiment, broilers receiving Se supplements had higher feed intake, body weight gain (BWG) and survival rate than the control. Broilers fed dietary SY or SN had improved BWG compared with those fed the SS-supplemented diets. Broilers treated with Se supplementation had increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities and produced higher antibody responses to avian influenza virus (AIV) and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) versus the control. These effects were enhanced with increasing Se addition, except for GPx that responded equally to all supplemental Se levels. Also, broilers receiving supplementary SY or SN exhibited higher anti-AIV and anti-SRBC titres along with more elevated serum Se, TrxR activity and total antioxidant capacity compared with those receiving SS. At the same time, SN had the most increasing effect on anti-SRBC titre. To conclude, diet supplementation with 0.5 mg/kg of Se in the form of SY or SN was capable of meeting the Se demands of broiler chickens for optimum growth and antioxidant capability, while SN seemed to be the most effective Se source in enhancing immunity. Highlights Diet supplementation with SN and SY, especially at 0.5 mg/kg diet, improved broiler performance and carcase quality of chickens compared with SS. SY and SN showed more favourable effects on oxidative status and immunocompetence. The best anti-SRBC titre was observed with SN.

Beneficial antioxidant status of piglets from sows fed selenomethionine compared with piglets from sows fed sodium selenite

BackgroundStudies in mammals proved dietary organic selenium (Se) being superior to inorganic Se regarding effects on growth performance, antioxidative status, immune response, and Se homeostasis. However, the picture of possible effects of different Se sources and – levels can be expanded. The present field study evaluated the effects on weight gain, hematological and selected biochemical variables as well as plasma concentrations of vitamin E (vitE), total Se and selenobiomolecules in piglets throughout the suckling period. MethodsPiglets were monitored from birth to 38 days of age (d). The mother sows’ diets were enriched with l-selenomethionine (SeMet-0.26 and -0.43 mg Se/kg feed) or sodium selenite (NaSe-0.40 and -0.60 mg Se/kg feed) from 1 month prior to farrowing until the end of lactation period. Piglets received pelleted feed supplemented with Se similarly to the sows’ diets from one week of age. Selenite at 0.40 mg Se/kg (NaSe-0.40) represents a common Se source and -level in pig feed and served as control diet. ResultsFrom 24d, piglets in SeMet-groups had higher mean body weight (BW) compared with piglets from sows fed NaSe-0.40. Furthermore, from five-d and above, piglets from sows fed NaSe-0.60 had significantly higher BW than offspring from sows fed NaSe-0.40. Neonatal piglets in group SeMet-0.43 had significantly lower red blood cell counts (RBC), hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations compared with piglets from sows fed with NaSe-0.40. Neonatal and 5d-old piglets in group SeMet-0.26 showed higher gamma-glutamyl transferase activity than piglets in group NaSe-0.40. From five d and above, group NaSe-0.60 excelled with increased specific hematological variables culminating at age 38d with increased Hct, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and MC hemoglobin (MCH) as well as increased activities of aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase compared with the other groups. Generally, offspring in the SeMet groups had higher total Se-concentrations in plasma than those from sows fed selenite, and showed a dose-response effect on plasma Se-concentrations. Furthermore, SeMet-fed piglets had higher plasma levels of the selenoproteins (Sel) glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and SelP as well as selenoalbumin. Plasma vitE levels were significantly negatively correlated with RBC throughout trial period. ConclusionsMaternal supplementation with SeMet during gestation influenced hematology and clinical biochemistry in neonatal piglets in a different way than in offspring from sows receiving selenite enriched diets. Growth performance was positively influenced by both dietary Se source and Se level. Higher plasma levels of GPx3 observed in piglets receiving SeMet probably improved the protection against birth or growth related oxidative stress. These might prime the piglets for demanding situations as indicated by higher weight gain in offspring from sows fed with SeMet-supplemented diets. Our results on some enzyme activities might indicate that piglets fed NaSe-0.60 had to cope with increased levels of oxidative stress compared with those originating from sows fed SeMet or lower dietary levels of selenite. We assume that combining inorganic and organic Se sources in complete feed for breeding sows might be beneficial fro reproduction and the offspring’s performance.

Effects of different dietary sources and levels of selenium supplements on growth performance, antioxidant status and immune parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens

ABSTRACT1. Although different impacts of various sources of selenium (Se) on chicken performance have been largely studied, there is a lack of comparative experiments studying the effects of these sources on the immune system and antioxidant indices of broiler tissues. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of various sources and levels of dietary Se supplements on performance, antioxidant status and immune parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens.2. A total of 1200 1-d-old male broilers (Ross × Ross 308) were divided into 8 treatments with 6 replicate pens and 25 birds per pen. This experiment was conducted as a completely randomised design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. Main factors included Se sources as sodium selenite (SS), Se-enriched yeast (SY), DL-selenomethionine (SM) and nano-selenium (NS) and levels at 0.1 or 0.4 mg/kg Se.3. Dietary supplementation of organic Se sources significantly improved average daily gain (ADG), gain: feed ratio and European production efficiency factor (P < 0.05) compared to birds fed on diets supplemented with inorganic source. In addition, ADG was increased in response to increased level of supplemental Se. Based on contrast comparison, there were significant differences in these parameters between organic versus inorganic sources of Se. However, there was no difference between contrast comparisons of NS versus SM and SY.4. Total anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titres and hypersensitivity were enhanced by increasing supplemental concentration of Se and using organic sources of Se rather than SS (P < 0.05).5. Oxidation resistance assessment of tissues demonstrated that supplementation of organic sources of Se and increase in supplemental concentration of Se ameliorated glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde formation (P < 0.05). Mostly, there were significant differences between organic versus inorganic sources of Se in oxidation resistance.6. Overall, dietary supplementation of 0.4 mg/kg Se from an organic source resulted in better production performance and immune system response. Moreover, minimum formation of malondialdehyde in broiler tissue was observed in birds fed on diets supplemented with SM at 0.4 mg/kg.7. It can be concluded that SM is more effective than other sources of Se in reducing lipid oxidation.

The effect of dietary bacterial organic selenium on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and Selenoproteins gene expression in broiler chickens

BackgroundSelenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral in broilers, which has several important roles in biological processes. Organic forms of Se are more efficient than inorganic forms and can be produced biologically via Se microbial reduction. Hence, the possibility of using Se-enriched bacteria as feed supplement may provide an interesting source of organic Se, and benefit broiler antioxidant system and other biological processes. The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of inorganic Se and different bacterial organic Se sources on the performance, serum and tissues Se status, antioxidant capacity, and liver mRNA expression of selenoproteins in broilers.ResultsResults indicated that different Se sources did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affect broiler growth performance. However, bacterial organic Se of T5 (basal diet +0.3 mg /kg feed ADS18 Se), T4 (basal diet +0.3 mg /kg feed ADS2 Se), and T3 (basal diet +0.3 mg /kg feed ADS1 Se) exhibited significantly (P ≤ 0.05) highest Se concentration in serum, liver, and kidney respectively. Dietary inorganic Se and bacterial organic Se were observed to significantly affect broiler serum ALT, AST, LDH activities and serum creatinine level. ADS18 supplemented Se of (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) bacterial strain showed the highest GSH-Px activity with the lowest MDA content in serum, and the highest GSH-Px and catalase activity in the kidney, while bacterial Se of ADS2 (Klebsiella pneumoniae) resulted in a higher level of GSH-Px1 and catalase in liver. Moreover, our study showed that in comparison with sodium selenite, only ADS18 bacterial Se showed a significantly higher mRNA level in GSH-Px1, GSH-Px4, DIO1, and TXNDR1, while both ADS18 and ADS2 showed high level of mRNA of DIO2 compared to sodium selenite.ConclusionsThe supplementation of bacterial organic Se in broiler chicken, improved tissue Se deposition, antioxidant status, and selenoproteins gene expression, and can be considered as an effective alternative source of Se in broiler chickens.

Supplemented Organic and Inorganic Selenium Affects Milk Performance and Selenium Concentration in Milk and Tissues in the Guanzhong Dairy Goat.

Trace amounts of selenium (Se) are essential for several organisms, and deficiencies therein have adverse effects on growth, development, and reproduction; this is particularly significant in animals raised for milk and livestock production. To study the effect of Se on Guanzhong dairy goats, their diets were supplemented with different sources (inorganic or organic) and Se concentrations (0.2 or 0.4mgSe/kg). A non-Se-fortified basal diet served as a negative control, and a sixth treatment group received both inorganic and organic Se sources (0.2mgSe/kg diet each). Dietary Se supplementation increased milk production, with organic Se being more effective than inorganic Se. Selenium supplementation also increased Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in whole blood, with organic Se more effective than inorganic Se at the same Se concentration. With increasing Se in diets, the Se content in milk increased markedly, reaching a plateau value at day 30 in all groups, and organic Se (0.4mg/kg diet) had the best effect. In addition, dietary Se sources and concentrations markedly affected Se concentrations in different tissues and organs. Thus, organic Se supplementation of a basal diet at 0.4mg/kg is practically applicable for Se-enriched milk and meat production in Guanzhong dairy goats.

Influence of selenium source on the performance, feathering and meat quality of broilers

SummaryThe following trial was conducted to investigate the effects of Se source (inorganic sodium selenite (SS) versus organic use Sel-Plex® (SP; Alltech Inc, Nicholasville, KY, USA)) on the performance, feathering and meat quality of 900, one-day-old male broilers over a 42 day growing period. Pens (n = 20) were randomly assigned to either: Diet A (no Se; negative control), Diet B as for diet A plus 0.3 mg/kg SS (positive control), Diet C as for diet A plus 0.2 mg/kg SP, Diet D as for diet A plus 0.3 mg/kg SP and Diet E as for diet A plus 0.4 mg/kg SP. From day 1 to 28, significant (P &lt; 0.05) treatment effects were seen for feed intake and FCR, with values for the negative control being higher than for the diets containing Se. The best FCR was recorded for the diet containing 0.4 mg/kg SP. Breast meat yield for birds fed the negative control were lower than those fed selenite or SP supplemented diets (P &lt; 0.05). Feather measurements on d 14, 28 and 42 of age showed that, although scores became poorer with age (4.9 at 14 d, 4.6 at 28 d and 3.6 at 42 d), they were unaffected (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary Se inclusion. Numeric trends in favour of SP were seen in cooking losses in meat chilled for 24 hours and seven days. Cooking losses in meat frozen for seven days were significantly influenced by Se inclusion, whereby values for birds fed 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg SP were significantly lower than values for birds fed inorganic selenite (P &lt; 0.05). Tissue Se concentrations were highest for the SP diets. Meat oxidation from the birds fed SP was lower than for the birds fed no Se or SS. The results demonstrated that SP may be more advantageous in improving certain variables of performance and meat quality compared to inorganic sources of Se.

Continued Selenium Biofortification of Carrots and Broccoli Grown in Soils Once Amended with Se-enriched S. pinnata.

Selenium (Se) biofortification has been practiced in Se-deficient regions throughout the world primarily by adding inorganic sources of Se to the soil. Considering the use of adding organic sources of Se could be useful as an alternative Se amendment for the production of Se-biofortified food crops. In this multi-year micro-plot study, we investigate growing carrots and broccoli in soils that had been previously amended with Se-enriched Stanleya pinnata Pursh (Britton) three and 4 years prior to planting one and two, respectively. Results showed that total and extractable Se concentrations in soils (0–30 cm) were 1.65 mg kg-1 and 88 μg L-1, and 0.92 mg kg-1 and 48.6 μg L-1 at the beginning of the growing season for planting one and two, respectively. After each respective growing season, total Se concentrations in the broccoli florets and carrots ranged from 6.99 to 7.83 mg kg-1 and 3.15 to 6.25 mg kg-1 in planting one and two, respectively. In broccoli and carrot plant tissues, SeMet (selenomethionine) was the predominant selenoamino acid identified in Se aqueous extracts. In postharvest soils from planting one, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses showed that amending the soil with S. pinnata exerted no effect on the microbial biomass, AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), actinomycetes and Gram-positive and bacterial PLFA at both 0–5 and 0–30 cm, respectively, 3 years later. Successfully producing Se-enriched broccoli and carrots 3 and 4 years later after amending soil with Se-enriched S. pinnata clearly demonstrates its potential source as an organic Se enriched fertilizer for Se-deficient regions.

Effects of different dietary selenium sources (sodium selenite, selenomethionine and nanoselenium) on growth performance, muscle composition, blood enzymes and antioxidant status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different sources of selenium (Se) on growth, muscle Se concentration, muscle proximate composition, blood enzymes and antioxidant status of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Organic Se (selenomethionine, SeMet), inorganic Se (sodium selenite, Na2SeO3), or nanoselenium were each added to the basal diet at 0.7 mg Se kg−1 diet. Four groups of fish with an average weight of 9.69 ± 0.12 g were fed one of the experimental diets for 8 weeks. Nano-Se diet resulted in better growth performance (P < 0.05). Fish fed with Se-supplemented diets showed a higher (P < 0.05) Se content in the muscle and liver tissues. Fish fed nano-Se had the highest liver glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (P < 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde level was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fish fed on SeMet and nano-Se diets as compared to control. The carp fed on nano-Se diet had the lowest values of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly lower in fish fed on SeMet and nano-Se diets. This study shows that nano-Se acts more efficiently on growth performance and antioxidant defence system of common carp than organic and inorganic sources of Se.

Selenium in Animal Nutrition: Deficiencies in Soils and Forages, Requirements, Supplementation and Toxicity

Selenium (Se), an essential nutrient for animals and humans, occurs as selenoproteins in enzymes. It is very important in animal nutrition because it functions as an anti-oxidant assisted by vitamin E. Se deficiency is a major problem which can be reduced or prevented by supplementation with inorganic or organic sources of Se. However, excessive supplementation and consumption of Se accumulating plants may lead to Se toxicity and animal poisoning. Minimal lethal dose for animals range between 1.5 to 8 mg kg-1 Se live body weight and maximum tolerable concentration of Se in forages is 5 mg kg-1. Se deficiency in animals also depends greatly on Se content of forages and soils. Se deficient soils contain less than 0.6 mg kg-1 and can be fertilized to increase Se content of forages or pastures for animals. Forages are classified as adequate, marginally deficient and deficient in Se and contain 0.2, 0.1-0.199 and <0.1 mg kg-1Se respectively. Silages can also be fortified with selenium to meet the requirements for Se in animals. The requirements of Se for animals need to be met to provide adequate animal and human nutrition.

Improving selenium status in plant nutrition and quality

Abstract Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health due to its antioxidant capabilities. The Se content around the world is highly variable from 0.005 mg kg -1 in areas from China and Finland to 8,000 mg kg in seleniferous soils from Tuva-Russia. However, about one billion of people in the world wide are Se deficient. During the last decade, studies related with strategies for Se biofortification in food plants for human nutrition have significantly increased because this metalloid is incorporated into human metabolism mainly as a constituent of food plants. Similarly, Se biofortification is important in pastures for increasing the Se content in cattle to enrich meat and to prevent disease associated to Se deficiency as white muscle disease. In China, two endemic diseases have been related to Se deficiency: Keshan and Keshin–Beck diseases.Agronomic biofortification by using inorganic Se sources is a current practice in countries as China, Finland, and USA. In Chile, fertilization by using chemical compounds with Se is an uncommon practice due the edaphoclimatic characteristics of Andisols, which represent around 60% of agricultural soils of southern Chile. Recent studies showed that microorganisms as bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play an important role in the transformations and Se availability, representing an interesting biotechnological alternative to Se biofortification.This review is focalized to describing Se behavior in soil-plant system and the possible strategies to improving Se content, including the use of microorganisms as biotechnological tools for increasing plant nutrition and quality. Specific attention will be devoted to volcanic soils of Southern Chile, where different factors concur to enhance the Se-deficiency problem.