Effect of Feeding Nano-Selenium Supplemented Diets on Growth and Immunological Performance of Broiler Chickens

Background and Objective: Selenium, being a micro-mineral has been used by researchers to fortify poultry meat due to the increased demand for safer and increased animal protein by consumers. This is because it is well known for its role in chicken growth and immune competence. This study examined the effects of supplementing varying levels of dietary nano-selenium on growth performance and immunological parameters of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 1-day old Arbor acre broiler chickens were used for the study and distributed into five treatments, four replicates with 10 birds each using a completely randomised design. Data on growth performance and immunological parameters were taken and analysed using a one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range Test was used to separate the means. Results: The supplementing dietary nano-selenium to broiler chickens significantly improved (p<0.05) growth performance (body weight gain 2115.72, 2182.98, 2171.64 and 2262.84 at NSe_0.10, NSe_0.15, NSe_0.20 and NSe_0.25, respectively), apparent nutrient digestibility (dry matter 89.02 and 87.20% at NSe_0.20 and NSe_0.25, respectively at the starter phase and crude fibre 89.54 at NSe_0.25 during the finisher phase) and immunological parameters (immunoglobulin A 1.82 at NSe_0.20) measured. Conclusion: The present study showed that both growth performance and immunity of broiler chickens can be improved when fed nano selenium supplemented diets.