Effect of Selenium Sources on Laying Performance, Egg Quality Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology, Microbial Population and Digesta Volatile Fatty Acids in Laying Hens

The use of toxic and less bioavailable inorganic selenium can now be supplemented with an alternative organic source from bacterial species in nutrition for human animal benefit. This study investigated the effects sources on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, intestinal morphology, caecum microbial population, digesta volatile fatty acids hens. One hundred forty-four Lohman Brown Classic hens, at 23 weeks age, were divided into four experimental groups (36 hens each), differing form Se supplementation: no supplementation (Con), 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), yeast (Se-Yeast), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (bacterial Se, ADS18). results showed that different dietary significantly affected rate, average weight, daily mass, feed conversion ratio (FCR), live bodyweight (LBW) (p < 0.05). However, intake shell-less broken eggs unaffected > 0.05) among treatment groups. findings revealed had effect (external internal) parameters. eggshell breaking strength Haugh unit improved (ADS18 or Se-yeast) Se-fed compared to control group. In addition, yolk breast tissue concentrations higher group control. Intestinal histomorphology fed ADS18 Se-Yeast villi height duodenum jejunum those Na2SeO3 a basal diet. when Se-Yeast) ileum villus was diet group; lowest SS A significant increase Lactobacilli spp. Bifidobacteria spp., decrease Escherichia coli Salmonella population observed individual acid (VFA) different, but total VFA differences. Thus, selenoprotein Se-yeast performance index, contents, Moreover, beneficial microbes increased harmful microbe cecal without affecting digesta.