Dietary Red and Grey Selenium Nanoparticles: Effects on Tissue Selenium Distribution, Antioxidant Capacity, and...

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Selenium is an essential trace element vital for poultry health.
• Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) offer potential advantages over traditional selenium sources.
• Understanding the impact of different SeNP forms (red vs. grey) and dosages is crucial for optimizing supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bioavailability, antioxidant response, and retention of red and grey SeNPs in Japanese quails.
• To compare the effects of different SeNP forms and dosages on selenium accumulation and distribution.
• To assess the impact of SeNPs on hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Main Methods:

• Adult male Japanese quails were fed diets supplemented with red or grey SeNPs (0.5 or 5 mg/kg) for 28 days.
• A 7-day withdrawal period followed the supplementation phase.
• Selenium levels in tissues, hepatic GPx activity, and serum TAC were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Selenium distribution varied significantly based on SeNP form and dose.
• Red SeNPs (especially at 5 mg/kg) led to higher selenium accumulation in metabolic tissues.
• All SeNP groups showed increased hepatic GPx activity, with the highest enhancement at 5 mg/kg; serum TAC was elevated with high-dose red SeNPs.
• Moderate SeNP doses promoted stable selenium retention, while high doses resulted in faster post-withdrawal depletion.

Conclusions:

• Red SeNPs serve as a readily available selenium source with potent antioxidant effects in poultry.
• Grey SeNPs provide a slower, more sustained selenium release profile.
• Nanoparticle form and dosage are critical factors in designing effective selenium supplementation strategies for poultry.