Immunological and Nutritional Effects of Selenium and Nano-selenium on Broiler Chickens Exposed to Heat Stress

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the ameliorative effect of sodium selenite and nano-selenium on chicks exposed to heat stress. Ninety one day-old broiler chicks were divided into six groups each of 15 birds. Birds in group one and four were fed on basal diet and served as a control group, while birds in group two and five were fed on basal diet treated with 0.15 mg/Kg diet prepared selenium nanoparticles and birds in group three and six were fed on basal diet treated with 0.15 mg/Kg sodium selenite. On day 37 of experiment birds in 4^th, 5^th and 6^th group were exposed to artificial heat stress at 40°C for 12 hours. Based on the results of total body weight gain and FCR lower parameters of body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion rate and higher feed intake ratio were observed in heat stressed chicks. Nano-selenium and Na selenite supplementation decreased the serum AST, ALT, urea, creatinine and MDA while the serum total protein, SOD, LZM, IgG, IgM and C3 were increased, also nano-selenium has ameliorative effect on hematological and histopathological findings. In conclusion, both nano-selenium and sodium selenite have an essential role in treatment of adverse effect of heat stress on chicks, with superiority of nano-selenium in improving anti- oxidative status and boosting immune response.