Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

The influence of level and source of selenium on productive performance and meat quality of broiler chickens

Author(s):

Ducu-Sandu Stef ^*, Lavinia Stef, Calin Jianu, Marioara Druga, Marcel Danci, Simion Alda, Liana Alda

Recieved Date: 2010-10-28, Accepted Date: 2011-01-09

Abstract:

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of various sources and levels of selenium on performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. The study was carried out on 120 broilers (ROSS 308) divided in four experimental groups, respectively, 30 chickens for each lot, during six weeks. The sodium selenite and Sel – Plex were the sources for selenium ensured. The levels of selenium in the fodder were 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg. On all growing period were measured: the weight at 1 day old, 21 days old and 42 days old; fodder intake at 21 days old and 42 days old. After 42 days of fattening, broilers were slaughtered and processed by standard technological procedure. Drumstick and breast meat were taken from each broiler for the determination of pH value and drip loss. The higher levels of selenium call forth the increase of the body weight. Both at three and six weeks old chicken from the experimental lot V₉ (0.4 mg/kg fodder) had the highest mean value of weight (594.88 and 2102.25 g, respectively). The lowest mean values of weight were registered for the experimental lot V₇ (544.93 and 1989.87 g, respectively), which had the lowest level of selenium (0.2 mg/kg fodder). It seems likely, that the source of selenium insurance did not improve the body weight. The best result for specific fodder intake was registered for the experimental lot V₇ (1.93) when selenium insurance was done with Sel-Plex, at minimum level (0.2 mg/kg fodder). However, the specific fodder intake among all experimental lots registered small differences (V₁ + 0.02, V₈ + 0.05 and V₉ + 0.13 comparatively with V₇). The source and level of selenium can improve drip loss. The obtained results show that organic selenium (0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg fodder) decreases drip loss, so that meat quality can be preserved during storage.

Keywords:

Selenium, meat quality, broiler, sodium selenite, Sel-Plex

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2011
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Category: Agriculture
Pages: 296-298

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