Review article

Benefits of organic selenium in feeding broiler breeders and laying hens

Ante Valentić ; Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Centar za peradarstvo, Heinzelova 55, Zagreb
Gabriela Krivec ; Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Centar za peradarstvo, Heinzelova 55, Zagreb
Ankica Nemanič ; Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Centar za peradarstvo, Heinzelova 55, Zagreb

Abstract

Chicken embryo tissues and spermatozoa are rich in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and as a result are very vulnerable to lipid peroxidation. Selenium as an integral part of glutathion peroxidase is a crucial factor in maintaining appropriate antioxidant defence during embrionic development and spermatogenesis. Provision of organic selenium in concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 ppm in hen’s feed tends to accumulate 30 % more selenium in the eggs when compared with same concentrations of inorganic selenium. Antioxidant status of chicks during embrional development and neonatal life is related to amount of selenium in eggs. Therefore higher egg selenium content increases vitality of chicks in first few days posthatch. Eggs enriched with selenium can be placed in functional food category and can substantially improve human selenium status, thus help preventing various diseases, especially cancer.

Keywords

organic selenium; eggs; laying hens; nutrition; antioxidant defence

Hrčak ID:

22598

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/22598

Publication date:

15.2.2005.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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