Distribution of selenium in chicken tissues as affected by bursectomy

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Immunology
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• The bursa of Fabricius is crucial for avian immune development, producing B lymphocytes and immunoglobulins.
• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element vital for immune function and antioxidant defense.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of surgical bursectomy on selenium distribution and levels in chicken tissues.
• To assess the relationship between the bursa of Fabricius, immune response, and selenium metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Day-old chicks underwent either surgical bursectomy (Bx) or sham operation.
• Chicks were fed diets supplemented with selenite or selenomethionine, or unsupplemented.
• Tissue selenium levels were measured at 10, 21, and 56 days.
• Humoral immune response was assessed by sheep red blood cell agglutination and immunoglobulin levels.

Main Results:

• Selenium supplementation and age significantly increased tissue selenium levels (P < .01).
• Bursectomy significantly decreased spleen selenium levels (P < .01) and serum immunoglobulin content.
• No significant effect of bursectomy on selenium levels in other tested tissues was observed.

Conclusions:

• The bursa of Fabricius plays a minor role in selenium distribution in chicken tissues.
• Serum lymphocytes and immunoglobulins appear to have a passive function in selenium metabolism and distribution.