S-m31 an Attempt at Alleviating Heat Stress of Broiler Chicks with Dietary Sel-plex, Selemium and Stocking Density. Monday, January 23 Environment & Management Room: B314

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin E selenium ( Na2-SeO3) and organic selenium (Sel-Plex) on performance of broiler reared under chronic heat stress during summer season (30.043.5°C). A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three selenium treatments, and two stocking density with two replicates of 15 birds each. The birds with a 3 x 2 factorial design received vitamin E+Se, Sel-Plex and basal diet as control or two stocking densities of 10 and 8 bird/m2. Body weights and feed conversions were determined at hatch, 2, 4 and 6 weeks of age, and mortality was recorded on a daily basis. Scores of feather tracts were scored subjectively on the basis of feather size and skin surface covered at 21, 28, 35, and 42 d of age. Birds receiving organic selenium in their diets had improved body weight, feed conversion, livability and eviscerated weight compared to Vit E+Se and control groups. Selenium supplementation increased feathering, with organic selenium (selenised yeast) being superior to inorganic selenium (sodium selenite). The Sel-Plex induced more rapid whole body feathering. The influence of Sel-Plex was evident from 21 through 42 d of age. Feathering of broilers in the low stocking density was slightly faster than the feathering of broilers in the high stocking density. The levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were significantly lowered with control group as compared to selenium treatments groups. The plasma concentration of cortisol, glucose, cholesterol, total protein and globulin was significantly higher with control group as compared to selenium treatments group. Relative weight of adrenal gland increased in control group. It also increased with high than low density. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that supplementation of vitamin E+Se or organic Se (Sel-Plex) provides the greatest performance broiler chicks reared under heat stress and these additives can be considered as a protective management practice in broiler diets, reducing the negative effects of heat stress.