Work

Comparative Effects of Capsicum annuum-Derived Selenium Nanoparticles and Sodium Selenite on Reproductive Performance, Egg Quality, and Male Sexual Behavior in Japanese Quails

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The effects of selenium on poultry health and reproduction have been extensively studied using inorganic sodium selenite (SS). However, limited research has been done on organic selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs). This study aimed to compare Se-NPs and SS on productivity, egg quality, reproductive performance, and male sexual behavior in Japanese quails. A total of 480 quails (8 weeks old) were assigned to 5 different experimental groups (96 birds in each group) with six replicates (pens) sex ratio 1 male: 3 females. One group was designated as control (fed by basal diet), whereas two groups were fed with different levels of Se-NPs (0.2 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg), and two groups with SS (0.2 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg). The trial lasted for 9 weeks. The highest productive performance was observed in quails supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg Se-NPs (p < 0.05). Quails supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg Se-NPs had the highest egg weight (p < 0.05). The highest shape and albumen index were identified in the group supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg Se-NPs (p < 0.05). However, the highest shell ratio, yolk ratio, yolk index, and Haugh unit were determined in the group supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg Se-NPs (p < 0.05). The group supplemented with 0.4 mg Se-NPs/kg had the highest fertility and hatchability, with the lowest embryo mortality. The group with 0.4 mg Se-NPs/kg exhibited the highest level of sexual behavior (wing flapping, waltzing, mounting, tidbitting, rear approach, treading). It was concluded that the supplementation of Se-NPs enhanced productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and male sexual behavior compared to the supplementation of SS.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani15233379