Uncomplicated selenium deficiency produced in chicks fed a corn-soy-based diet.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Avian Physiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Selenium is an essential trace element vital for various physiological functions.
• Selenium deficiency can lead to significant health issues in poultry.
• Glutathione peroxidase is a key selenoenzyme affected by selenium status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of severe selenium deficiency on pancreatic function and histology in chicks.
• To determine the protective role of dietary selenium supplementation against induced pancreatic damage.
• To compare the impact of practical versus purified Se-deficient diets on chick health.

Main Methods:

• Day-old chicks were fed practical or purified diets with extremely low selenium levels.
• Assessed activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in plasma and pancreas.
• Monitored plasma amylase activity and performed histological examination of pancreatic tissue.

Main Results:

• Selenium deficiency markedly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity and caused pancreatic atrophy (acinar atrophy, hyaline bodies, vacuolation).
• Elevated plasma amylase activity was observed in deficient chicks.
• Dietary selenium supplementation (0.20 ppm) prevented all observed pathological changes.
• Pancreatic damage occurred more rapidly and severely with a purified Se-deficient diet compared to a practical one.

Conclusions:

• Severe selenium deficiency induces pancreatic atrophy and dysfunction in chicks fed intact protein diets.
• Dietary selenium supplementation is effective in preventing these deficiency-related pathologies.
• A factor present in practical diets may offer partial protection against severe selenium deficiency-induced pancreatic damage.