Options for the Production of Selenized Chicken Meat

A 42-day experiment was conducted to compare the effects of various levels of sodium selenite (SS) and Se-enriched yeast (SY) on chicken productivity, carcass traits, and breast Se concentration. Six hundred 1-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were placed on 1 of 6 experimental treatments. The treatments consisted of feeding a diet without Se supplementation (basal diet) or basal diet with 0.6 mg/kg supplemented Se supplied by SS, SY, or a mix of the two (0.45 SS + 0.15 SY; 0.3 SS + 0.3 SY; 0.15 SS + 0.45 SY). Chicks in all Se-supplemented treatments had significantly higher final body weight and eviscerated weight than those on the basal diet (P < 0,05) and no significant differences were observed among selenium source (P < 0.05). Also, chicks in all Se-supplemented treatments had significantly higher Se contents in breast tissue than the control group (P < 0.05). Replacing SS by SY in the broiler diets resulted in increased concentrations of Se in the breast (P < 0.01). Strong correlations were found between breast Se concentrations and the level of SY supplementation of the broiler diet (r = 0.992). The results from this experiment indicate that SY is a superior source of selenium for the production of selenized meat, and can be used, without any detrimental effect on chicken performance, for adding nutritional value to broiler meat and thus safely improving human selenium intake.     

Effects of Selenium and Low Levels of Lead on Mammary Tumor Development and Growth in MMTV-infected Female Mice

Selenium (Se) has been demonstrated in previous studies to inhibit mammary tumorigenesis in C3H mice infected with the murine mammary tumorvirus, MMTV. The antitumorigenic effects of Se in this animal model of breast cancer were subsequently shown to be counteracted by Se-antagonistic elements. Lead (Pb), for example, was found to abolish the anticarcinogenic effects of Se at 5 ppm in the drinking water. The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of Pb at just 0.5 ppm in the water, i.e., at a level comparable to the concentrations of Pb that have been measured in the tap water of older homes in some communities. Groups of 30 female virgin C3H/St mice infected with MMTV maintained on Torula yeast-based diets containing either 0.15 or 0.65 ppm of yeast-based organic Se and received either deionized water or water containing 0.5 ppm Pb as the acetate over their entire postweaning lifespan. In the control group on deionized water and the 0.15 ppm Se feed, the tumor incidence was 78.6%, which is normal for this strain. Increasing the Se content of the feed to 0.65 ppm lowered the tumor incidence to 30%, demonstrating the antitumorigenic effect of Se. In the experimental groups, the Pb-exposed mice on the 0.15 ppm Se feed developed signs of chronic Pb toxicity as evidenced by diminished weight gain that persisted up to the age of 10 months, during which period the animals remained tumor-free. Thereafter, weight gains ensued to near the values of the controls, and the tumors began to develop in rapid succession until the final tumor incidence of 73.7% was reached. In the group of mice on the 0.65 ppm Se feed, the toxic effects of Pb were diminished, as evidenced by the normal weight gains during the first 10 months but with concomitant physiological inactivation of Se, causing 82.6% of the mice to develop tumors, with the first tumor to appear at the age of 5 months, 7 months earlier than in the Pb-unexposed controls. In addition, tumor growth rates in this group were greatly accelerated and the survival of the tumor-bearing animals was significantly shortened. Direct evidence for the interactions of Pb with Se were obtained by determinations of the two elements in the livers, kidneys, and hair of tumor-free and tumor-bearing mice. However, the exposure of the mice to Pb in the water also altered the levels of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Cr in the organs and tissues, more so in tumor-bearing than tumor-free animals. The present study demonstrates the need to consider the interactions of Se with other trace elements in discussions of its mechanism of anticarcinogenic action.     

Copper nanoparticles: Green synthesis and managing fruit rot disease of chilli caused by Colletotrichum capsici

The present study was focused on synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles to evaluate their efficacy against fruit rot pathogen of chilli crop. The green synthesis of nanoparticles was carried out by using extracts of Eucalyptus and Mint leaves. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD, PSA, SEM and TEM. The average size of these particles synthesized by Eucalyptus leaf extract (CuNP-E) ranged from 10 to 130 nm, while as size of Mint leaf extract synthesized particles (CuNP-M) ranged from 23 to 39 nm, thus confirming their nano size. These green synthesized copper nanoparticles were evaluated against Colletotrichum capsici where Carbendazim 50 WP @ 500 ppm and copper oxychloride 50 WP @ 2500 ppm served as standard checks. The mycelia inhibition of Colletotrichum capsici caused by copper nanoparticles was studied on PDA medium. CuNP-M @ 1000 ppm showed highest mycelial inhibition of 99.78% followed by 93.75% at 500 ppm and CuNP-E @ 1000 ppm compared to standard fungicides, carbendazim 50 WP @ 500 ppm (72.82%), and copper oxychloride 50 WP @ 2500 ppm (85.85%). The CuNP-M @ 500 ppm were significantly superior to carbendazim 50 WP @ 500 ppm and copper oxychloride 50 WP @ 2500 ppm, but was statistically at par with CuNP-E @ 1000 ppm. This shows effectiveness of much lower concentration of copper nanoparticles compared to conventional fungicides. In detached fruit method, nanoparticles applied before inoculation of pathogen showed better results with regard to incubation period, lesion number and lesion size than after inoculation of pathogen. The present study reveals a simple, convenient, non-toxic and cost-efficient technique for the synthesis of nanoparticles and their effectiveness against Colletotrichum capsici. CuNP-M first time synthesized and evaluated against Colletotrichum capsici performed better than CuNP-E.     

Selenium supplementation influences growth performance, antioxidant status and immune response in lambs

To investigate and compare the effect of inorganic and organic Se supplementation, 18 male lambs (24.68 ± 2.89 kg mean body weight, about 8–9 months of age) were divided into three groups of six animals in each, following randomized block design. While animals in the control group (Gr I) were fed a standard TMR containing 195 g/kg crushed maize grain, 175.5 g/kg soybean meal, 260 g/kg wheat bran, 13 g/kg mineral mixture (without Se), 6.5 g/kg common salt and 350 g/kg wheat straw, animals in Gr II and Gr III were additionally supplemented with 0.15 mg Se/kg of diet through sodium selenite (inorganic Se) and Jevsel-101 (organic Se), respectively. Experimental feeding was done for a period of 90 days. To assess the humoral immune response, all the lambs were intramuscularly inoculated with a single dose (2 mL) of Haemorrhagic septicaemia oil adjuvant vaccine on day 0; and blood samples were collected on day 0, 30, 60 and 90. Supplementation of Se had no effect on serum total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin ratio, T₃, T₄, T₄:T₃ ratio; serum Ca and P levels and SGOT and SGPT activity. However, there was a significant increase in the serum Se level, RBC GSH-Px activity and humoral immune response in both the Se supplemented groups as compared to control group. Average daily gain (g) was highest (110) in Gr III, followed by Gr II (98.2) and lowest in Gr I (89.1). Thus, supplementation of organic as well as inorganic Se was found to improve the growth rate, humoral immune response and antioxidant status of the lambs; and between two sources, organic Se was more effective than inorganic Se.     

Dietary Mannan-oligosaccharides potentiate the beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum in broiler chicken

This study investigated the effects of dietary Bifidobacterium bifidum (BFD) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS), as a synbiotic, on the production performance, gut microbiology, serum biochemistry, antioxidant profile and health indices of broiler chicken. Six dietary treatments were T1 (negative control), T2 (positive control-20 mg antibiotic BMD kg⁻¹ diet; BMD: bacitracin methylene disalicylate), T3 (0·1% MOS + 10⁶ CFU BFD per g feed), T4 (0·1% MOS + 10⁷ CFU BFD per g feed), T5 (0·2% MOS + 10⁶ CFU BFD per g feed) and T6 (0·2% MOS + 10⁷ CFU BFD per g feed). Significantly (P < 0·01) better growth performance and efficiency was observed in birds supplemented with 0·2% MOS along with 10⁶ CFU BFD per g of feed compared to BMD and control birds. Supplementation with 0·2% MOS along with either 10⁶ or 10⁷ CFU BFD per g feed reduced (P < 0·01) the gut coliform, Escherichia coli, total plate count, and Clostridium perfringens count and increased the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium count. Significantly (P < 0·01) higher serum and liver antioxidant enzyme pool, serum HDL cholesterol and lower serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient and atherogenic index of plasma were observed in birds supplemented with 0·2% MOS along with 10⁶ CFU BFD per g of feed compared to control or BMD supplemented birds. Better production performance, gut microbial composition, serum biochemistry, antioxidant profile and health indices were depicted by broiler chicken supplemented with 0·2% MOS and 10⁶ CFU BFD per g of feed.     

Meta-analysis of selenium accumulation and expression of antioxidant enzymes in chicken tissues

A meta-analysis integrating results of 40 selenium (Se) supplementation experiments that originated from 35 different controlled randomized trials was carried out in an attempt to identify significant factors that affect tissue Se accumulation in chicken. Examined factors included: Se source (12 different sources examined), type of chicken (laying hens or broilers), age of birds at the beginning of supplementation, duration of supplementation, year during which the study was conducted, sex of birds, number of chickens per treatment, method of analysis, tissue type, concentration of Se determined and Se added to feed. A correlation analysis was also carried out between tissue Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity. Data analysis showed that the factors significantly affecting tissue Se concentration include type of chicken (P=0.006), type of tissue (P<0.001) and the analytical method used (P=0.014). Although Se source was not found to affect tissue Se concentration (overall P>0.05), certain inorganic (sodium selenite), calcium selenite, sodium selenate and organic sources (B-Traxim Se), Se-yeast, Se-malt, Se-enriched cabbage and Se-enriched garlic as well as background Se level from feed ingredients were found to significantly affect tissue Se concentration. The Se accumulation rate (estimated as linear regression coefficient of Se concentrations to Se added to feed) discriminated between the various tissues with highest values estimated in the leg muscle and lowest in blood plasma. Correlation analysis has also shown that tissue Se concentration (pooled data) was correlated to Se added to feed (r=0.529, P<0.01, log values) and to glutathione peroxidase activity (r=0.332, P=0.0478), with the latter not being correlated with Se added to feed. Although significant factors affecting Se concentration were reported in the present study, they do not necessarily indicate the in vivo function of the antioxidant system or the level of accumulated Se as other factors, not examined in the present study, may interact at the level of trace element absorption, distribution and retention.     

Influence of Dietary Selenomethionine Supplementation on Performance and Selenium Status of Broiler Breeders and Their Subsequent Progeny

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary maternal selenomethionine or sodium selenite supplementation on performance and selenium status of broiler breeders and their next generation. Two hundred and forty 39-week-old Lingnan yellow broiler breeders were allocated randomly into two treatments, each of which included three replicates of 40 birds. Pretreatment period was 2 weeks, and the experiment lasted 8 weeks. The groups were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0.30 mg selenium/kg of sodium selenite or selenomethionine. After incubation, 180 chicks from the same parental treatment group were randomly divided into three replicates, with 60 birds per replicate. All the offspring were fed the same diet containing 0.04 mg selenium/kg, and the experiment also lasted 8 weeks. Birth rate was greater (p < 0.05) in hens fed with selenomethionine than that in hens fed with sodium selenite. The selenium concentration in serum, liver, kidney, and breast muscle of broiler breeders, selenium deposition in the yolk, and albumen and tissues' (liver, kidney, breast muscle) selenium concentrations of 1-day-old chicks were significantly (p < 0.01) increased by maternal selenomethionine supplementation compared with maternal sodium selenite supplementation. The antioxidant status of 1-day-old chicks was greatly improved by maternal selenomethionine intake in comparison with maternal sodium selenite intake and was evidenced by the increased glutathione peroxidase activity in breast muscle (p < 0.05), superoxide dismutase activity in breast muscle and kidney (p < 0.05), glutathione concentration in kidney (p < 0.01), total antioxidant capability in breast muscle and liver (p < 0.05), and decreased malondialdehyde concentration in liver and pancreas (p < 0.05) of 1-day-old chicks. Feed utilization was better (p < 0.05), and mortality was lower (p < 0.05) in the progeny from hens fed with selenomethionine throughout the 8-week growing period compared with those from hens fed with sodium selenite. In summary, we concluded that maternal selenomethionine supplementation increased birth rate and Se deposition in serum and tissues of broiler breeders as well as in egg yolk and egg albumen more than maternal sodium selenite supplementation. Furthermore, maternal selenomethionine intake was also superior to maternal sodium selenite intake in improving the tissues Se deposition and antioxidant status of 1-day-old chicks and increasing the performance of the progeny during 8 weeks of post-hatch life.     

Combined Effects of Muscular Dystrophy,Ecological Stress,and Selenium on Blood Antioxidant Status in Broiler Chickens

The results obtained in this study demonstrated that experimentally induced alimentary muscular dystrophy (MD) in Cobb 500 broiler chickens resulted in increased plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), deviations in activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes Cu,Zn-SOD (decrease), and CAT (increase) as well as reduction in plasma concentrations of trace elements Cu, Zn, and Se in affected birds. These data evidenced the presence of oxidative stress in birds with MD, reared both under conditions of ecological comfort and ecological stress. The increased MDA and САТ levels and the reduced Cu,Zn-SOD, Cu, Zn, and Se concentrations in healthy chickens reared under unfavorable microclimatic conditions such as higher air temperature and humidity, higher ammonia concentrations, and lower light intensity were indicative about an induced ecological stress. After the 10-day oral treatment with a selenium-containing preparation, the levels of MDA, Cu,Zn-SOD, CAT, Cu, Zn, and Se attained their normal values in chickens with MD, reared under ecologically comfortable conditions. According to our results, ecological stress was shown to exert independently a significant adverse effect upon the levels of the studied parameters and possibly to be a cause for their slower and not complete normalization despite the selenium therapy in experimental broiler chickens.     

Selenium uptake,speciation and stressed response of Nicotiana tabacum L.

The research on the function and mechanism of selenium (Se) is of great significance for the development of Se-enriched agricultural products. In this paper, uptake, speciation distribution, the effects on the flue-cured tobacco growth and antioxidant system of Se at different levels (0–22.2 mg Se kg⁻¹) were studied through a pot experiment, aiming to clarify flue-cured tobacco's response to Se stress and the relationship between Se speciation and antioxidant system. The results showed that the leaf area and number, the biomass and the chlorophyll content reached the maximum at 4.4 mg kg⁻¹ of Se treatment. Selenium at low levels (≤4.4 mg kg⁻¹) stimulated the growth of flue-cured tobacco by elevating the capability of antioxidant stress and reducing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content to 0.6–0.8 times of that of the control. However, high Se levels (≥11.1 mg kg⁻¹) depressed the capability of antioxidant stress and raised the MDA content to 1.5-fold of that of the control, and meanwhile the biomass of the aboveground parts and underground parts declined notably. The Se content in different parts of flue-cured tobacco significantly increased with the growth of Se levels. The range of Se content in roots, leaves and stems at 2.2–22.2 mg kg⁻¹ of Se treatment were 16.7–58.6 mg kg⁻¹, 2.6–37.3 mg kg⁻¹ and 2.2–10.3 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. According to the detection of different Se speciation, only selenocysteine (SeCys) was detectable in leaves at 2.2 mg kg⁻¹ Se treatment; SeCys, selenite [Se(IV)]and selenate [Se(VI)] were detected in flue-cured tobacco leaves at Se treatment (≥4.4 mg kg⁻¹), which accounted for 4.6–10%, 9–18.7% and 71–86% respectively; SeCys, selenomethionine (SeMet) and Se(IV) were detected in roots, and organic selenium(66–84%) was the main Se species at Se ≤ 11.1 mg kg⁻¹ treatment; four Se species [SeCys, SeMet, Se(IV) and Se(VI)] were detected in flue-cured tobacco roots, and the main Se species was inorganic Se (60%) at 22.2 mg kg⁻¹ Se treatment. That was to say, the percentage of organic Se species (SeCys and SeMet in flue-cured tobacco leaves and root) declined, whereas the ratio of inorganic Se species [Se(IV) and Se(VI)] increased with the growth of Se levels. The correlation analysis showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as the glutathione (GSH) and MDA contents were positively correlated with the Se(IV) and Se(VI) contents at P < 0.01 and excessive inorganic Se might destruct the reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance and enhance the MDA content, thus causing damage to the plant growth. In a word, the present study suggested that the ratio of inorganic Se [Se(IV) and Se(VI)] was closely related with the growth and the antioxidant capacity of flue-cured tobacco and the excessive application of Se led to the higher proportion of inorganic Se and poorer antioxidant capacity, which ultimately inhibited the growth of flue-cured tobacco.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of grape seed extract on the growth performance,lipid profile,antioxidant status and immune response of broiler chickens

Grape seed extracts (GSE) contain several beneficial bioactive constituents; therefore, can be utilized as a potential feed additive in broiler chickens. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of broiler chicken diets with GSE as a natural antioxidant at levels of 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm on the growth performance, serum lipid profile, liver glutathione-reduced, thigh muscle malondialdehyde and humoral immune response against Newcastle disease virus vaccines. This experiment was performed during the life-span of chickens from 0 to 42 days of age. The results of broilers fed on diet supplemented by GSE were compared with those fed on the basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented by butylated hydroxytoluene as a synthetic antioxidant (BHT, 125 ppm). No significant differences were observed in the growth performance, percent livability, total lipid, high and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterols when the use of GSE or BHT were compared with the control. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased after intake of GSE compared with BHT in the feed diet. The glutathione-reduced level in liver tissues was significantly increased by inclusion of GSE, but not by BHT. Inclusion of GSE or BHT decreased significantly the malondialdehyde level found in meat tissue. The antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus vaccines was significantly elevated in 28 and 35-day-old broiler chickens fed with a diet supplemented with GSE or BHT, the former providing a higher response. It can be concluded that GSE can be used as an effective natural antioxidant and immunostimulant agent in broiler chicken diets, and that 125 to 250 ppm can be considered as the optimum dosage.     

Selenium Regulates Gene Expression of Selenoprotein W in Chicken Skeletal Muscle System

Selenoprotein W (SelW) is abundantly expressed in skeletal muscles of mammals and necessary for the metabolism of skeletal muscles. However, its expression pattern in skeletal muscle system of birds is still uncovered. Herein, to investigate the distribution of SelW mRNA in chicken skeletal muscle system and its response to different selenium (Se) status, 1-day-old chickens were exposed to various concentrations of Se as sodium selenite in the feed for 35 days. In addition, myoblasts were treated with different concentrations of Se in the medium for 72 h. Then the levels of SelW mRNA in skeletal muscles (wing muscle, pectoral muscle, thigh muscle) and myoblasts were determined on days 1, 15, 25, and 35 and at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The results showed that SelW was detected in all these muscle components and it increased both along with the growth of organism and the differentiation process of myoblasts. The thigh muscle is more responsive to Se intake than the other two skeletal muscle tissues while the optimal Se supplementation for SelW mRNA expression in chicken myoblasts was 10⁻⁷ M. In summary, Se plays important roles in the development of chicken skeletal muscles. To effect optimal SelW gene expression, Se must be provided in the diet and the media in adequate amounts and neither at excessive nor deficient levels.     

Effect of Supplemental Inorganic Zn and Mn and their Interactions on the Performance of Broiler Chicken,Mineral Bioavailability,and Immune Response

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction and main effects of supplemental Zn and Mn levels on growth, tissue mineral uptake, and immune response in broiler chicken. A basal diet of corn–soybean meal was supplemented with Zn at 40, 80, or 160 ppm and Mn at 60, 120, or 240 ppm in a factorial pattern to constitute nine experimental diets. Each diet was offered to nine replicates of six chicks in stainless steel battery brooders. At 35 days of age, body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, hock joint scores, tibia weight, tibia strength, and percent ash were not influenced by Zn and Mn levels and their interactions. The concentration of Zn (207–238 ppm) and Mn (11.8–16.3 ppm) in tibia increased linearly with progressive raise of mineral inclusion in diets. Mn at 240 ppm level caused higher retention of Zn in tibia, but not vice versa. Manganese either alone or in combination with Zn (Zn160/Mn120 ppm) significantly reduced Cu retention (10.1–7.2 ppm) in tibia. Even in the hepatic tissue, Zn (93.6–98.4 ppm) and Mn (9.3–10.2 ppm) concentration increased linearly with their levels of inclusion in diets. When Zn and Mn levels were maintained at 4:3 ratio (80:60 or 160:120 ppm), the concentration of Zn (100–106 ppm) in liver was higher, while that of Mn was significantly more with low level of Zn (40 ppm) in diet. However, Mn supplementation at 120 ppm level and above significantly decreased Cu accumulation (19.5–17.1 ppm) in liver, but Mn × Zn interaction had no effect on Cu retention. The immune response measured as antibody titers to sheep RBC increased (5.9–7.9 log₂) significantly with higher Zn (80 ppm) supplementation and cell-mediated immune response to phytohemagglutinin (0.57–0.78) with Mn level at 120 ppm. In summary, Zn (40 ppm) and Mn (60 ppm) as recommended by NRC was sufficient for broiler performance and bone parameters. Mn complimented Zn retention in tibia and antagonized Cu in tibia and liver tissues. Higher levels of Zn (80 ppm) and Mn (120 ppm) than those recommended by NRC were needed for improved immune response in broilers at 35 days of age.     

Metabolism and Tissue Distribution of Trace Elements in Broiler Chickens' Fed Diets Containing Deficient and Plethoric Levels of Copper,Manganese, and Zinc

Supplementation of broiler diets with copper, manganese, and zinc at levels higher than that stipulated by the National Research Council 1994 reportedly improved live weight, feed conversion, and cured leg abnormality supposedly caused by inadequate intake of Mn and Zn. The objective of the study was to ascertain the effects of plethoric supplementation of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) on performance and metabolic responses in broiler chickens. The study also aimed to discriminate the responses of the birds when the mineral elements were supplemented either in an inorganic or in an organic form. Cobb 400 broiler chickens (1-day old, n = 300) were assigned to three dietary treatments each containing nine replicates with ten birds for 39 days. The treatments included a control in which the diet was devoid of supplemental trace elements and treatments supplemented with an inorganic trace element premix (ITM) and supplemented with a combination of the inorganic and an organic trace element premix (OTM). The ITM contained (per kilogram) copper, 15 g; iron, 90 g; manganese, 90 g; zinc, 80 g (all as sulfated salts); iodine (as potassium iodide), 2 g; and selenium (as sodium selenite), 0.3 g. The OTM on the other hand, contained copper, 2.5 g; iron, 15 g; manganese, 15 g; zinc, 13.33 g; and chromium, 0.226 g (all as protein chelates). Plethoric supplementation of trace elements improved live weight gain and feed/gain ratio (p < 0.05). Leg abnormality developed in the 16% of the control group of birds but not in the supplemented group. Metabolizability of dry matter, organic matter, and protein was higher (p < 0.01) in the ITM and OTM groups. Excretion of Cu, Fe, and Zn decreased (p < 0.1) due to supplementation of the trace elements leading to increased apparent absorption of the said mineral elements (p < 0.01). Concentration of the concerned trace elements in serum, liver, and composite muscle samples was higher (p < 0.05) in the ITM and OTM dietary groups indicating an increased deposition of the said mineral elements due to supplementation. Although the study revealed subtle difference between the inorganic and organic mineral premixes with regards to the parameters mentioned above, it became apparent that it is possible to reduce excretion of these trace elements by a judicious escalation in the level of supplementation. The results of the present investigation further revealed that the trace mineral requirement of broiler chickens suggested by the National Research Council may not be optimum to support the maximum growth potential of the high yielding strains, and it is reasonable to consider a review of the current NRC recommendations to meet the needs of the modern birds.     

Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on the Thiol Oxido-Reductive Index and Thiol-Related Enzymes in Seminal Plasma and Spermatozoa of Iraqi Asthenospermic Patients

Despite increasing evidence indicating the essential involvement of selenium (Se) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of commercial broilers, the effects of different Se sources on local Chinese Subei chickens is unclear. A total of 360 50-day-old male chickens were individually weighed and randomly allocated to four treatment groups. Chickens in each of the four groups were fed diets supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg as sodium Se (SS), Se-enriched yeast (SY), selenomethionine (Met-Se), or nano red element Se (Nano-Se) for 40 days. At the end of the experiment, one bird of approximately average weight from each cage was selected and slaughtered, and blood and breast muscles samples were collected. The results showed that there was no significant difference in feed intake, body weight gain, or feed to gain ratio among treatments (P > 0.05). Dietary SY, Met-Se, and Nano-Se supplementation increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum and breast muscles and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde in serum and carbonyl in breast muscles compared with the SS group (P < 0.05). Moreover, SY, Met-Se, and Nano-Se supplementation increased pH_45min, total protein solubility, and myofibrillar protein solubility, as well as decreased the shear force value compared with the SS group (P < 0.05). In addition, birds in the SY and Met-Se groups exhibited lower cooking loss compared with the SS group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, organic Se and Nano-Se supplementation resulted in an improvement of antioxidant capacity and meat quality in local Chinese Subei chickens relative to inorganic Se.     

Frequent Consumption of Selenium-Enriched Chicken Meat by Adults Causes Weight Loss and Maintains Their Antioxidant Status

To assess the effects of a moderately high-protein intake on the body composition, biochemical, and antioxidant status parameters in young adults depending on either selenium- (Se) or non-enriched chicken consumption. The volunteers (n = 24) that completed the 10-week nutritional intervention were distributed in two parallel groups and randomly assigned to follow an isocaloric diet with moderately high content in protein (30% energy), either with the consumption of four 200 g portions/week of Se- or non-enriched chicken breasts. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the study and body composition was monitored during the trial. There was a significant reduction in weight, accompanying a decrease on fat mass in both groups, while fat-free mass remained unchanged during the 10 weeks of intervention, without differences between both dietary groups. Selenium blood levels and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as lipid, glucose, and selected inflammation biomarkers remained stable during the intervention period in both dietary groups. Frequent chicken consumption, within a controlled diet with a moderately high content in protein, produced a slight but statistically significant weight reduction mainly due to the loss of fat mass. An extra Se supplementation (22 μg/day) in the Se-enriched chicken breast did not affect tachyphylactic antioxidant status of the participants neither inflammatory-related markers after weight loss.     

Cellular and nephrotoxicity of selenium species

ProjectBeside its useful functions at very low concentrations, selenium including supplementary Se sources pose a potential toxicological risk. The toxicity of selenium species was tested in HaCaT cell culture and related nephrotoxicity in mice.ProcedureThe apoptotic shrinkage and necrotic expansion of cells were measured by time-lapse image microscopy. Acute nephrotoxicity was estimated upon administration of various selenium species to mice for two weeks. To confirm or to refute the accumulation of Se in the kidney and its potential chronic effect, Se concentration in kidney tissue and histopathlology were tested.ResultsThe comparison of selenium species showed that organic lactomicroSe did not affect cell growth at 5 ppm, but inorganic nanoSe severely hampered it at lower concentration (1 ppm). The in vivo Se treatment (0.5, 5, 50 ppm, corresponding to 4, 40 and 400 μg/kg) was misleading as it did neither affect the outward appearance nor the weight of the kidney. Se accumulation was observed after selenate, selenite, SelPlex, selenite and nanoSe administration, while lactomicroSe caused no traceable accumulation. In vivo, ex vivo and in vitro experiments reflected this order of selenium toxicity: selenate > selenite > SelPlex = nanoSe > lactomicroSe.ConclusionWithin the tested species lactomicroSe was the only non-nephrotoxic selenium source recommended for nutritional Se supplementation.     

Exogenous Proline Application Reduces Phytotoxic Effects of Selenium by Minimising Oxidative stress and Improves Growth in Bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus vulgaris</Emphasis> L.) Seedlings

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seedlings were subjected to varying selenium levels (1, 2, 4, and 6 ppm) in a hydroponic culture. The germination reached 100% in 48 h in all Se levels except 6 ppm, where it took 72 h. The root and shoot growth was stimulated at 1 and 2 ppm Se levels that was commensurate with increase in chlorophyll content, leaf water content, and cellular respiration. At 4 and 6 ppm Se levels, the growth was inhibited appreciably, which was associated with increase in stress injury measured as damage to membranes and decrease in cellular respiration, chlorophyll, and leaf water content. The oxidative injury as elevation of lipid peroxidation was larger compared to hydrogen peroxide accompanied by reduced levels of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid and glutathione) antioxidants. Proline content was significantly higher at 1 and 2 ppm Se but diminished considerably at 4 and 6 ppm levels concomitant with the reduced growth. Exogenous application of proline (50 μM) resulted in substantiation of its endogenous levels that antagonised the toxic effects of Se by improving the growth of seedlings. The stress injury was reduced significantly with simultaneous increase in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Especially the components of ascorbate–glutathione cycle showed larger stimulation with proline application. The role of proline in mitigating the toxic effects of Se is discussed.     

Early age thermal manipulation on the performance and physiological response of broiler chickens under hot humid tropical climate

Initial brooding temperature is critical for post-hatch growth of broiler chickens. A study was conducted to investigate the early age thermal manipulation (EATM) on the performance and physiological responses broiler chickens under hot humid tropical climate. A total of 260 unsexed day-old Arbor-acre broiler chicks were assigned to five thermal treatments of brooding temperature regimens having 4 replicates of thirteen birds each. The heat treatments were: initial brooding temperature of 35 °C for the first 2 days, and then decreased subsequently, gradually to 22 °C at 21 d of age (CT), initial temperature of 35 °C, sustained for the first 4 days and then decreased gradually (conventionally) (FD), initial temperature of 35 °C for the first 7 days (SD), the birds in CT, but the brooding temperature was raised to 35 °C again for another 3 days from day 7 (SD3), initial brooding temperature of 35 °C for the first 10 days (TD). Data were collected on daily feed intake and weekly body weights. Blood samples were collected from 8 birds per treatment weekly for the determination of plasma uric acid, triglycerides, triiodothyronine (T₃) and creatinine kinase. Data obtained were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Results showed that the final weights of the birds in FD were higher (P < 0.05) than those of the other treatments at the finisher phase. Feed intake of the birds in FD was higher than those of SD3 and TD. FCR of broiler chickens in CT, SD, SD3 and TD was higher than that of FD. The rectal temperature, plasma MDA and blood glucose of the thermally challenged birds in FD was generally better (P < 0.05) than those of the other treatments. It was concluded that EATM can be used to improve performance and also protect broiler chickens from acute heat stress at market age.