Dietary supplementation of nano-selenium improves reproductive performance, sexual behavior and deposition of selenium in the testis and ovary of Japanese quail
Sara E. El-Kazaz, Magda Ismail Abo-Samaha, Mona Hafez, Set A. El‐Shobokshy, G. Wirtu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: = 300) aging 14 days were divided into three groups: Group 1 (basal diet and Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), Group 2 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.2 mg/kg ration), and Group 3 (basal diet and nano-Se at 0.1 mg/kg ration). Several parameters relating to body weight and egg were measured. Sexual behaviors of the birds were observed by continuous visual scanning. The sperm viability, sperm morphology, and concentration of spermatozoa were determined after staining and microscopic examination. The plasma testosterone levels were determined by indirect enzyme immunoassay assay. The Se concentrations in the testicular, ovarian, and ration samples were measured by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: 0.2 mg/kg diet). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the use of nano-Se (at 0.1 mg/kg) in the ration of Japanese quail improves several reproductive performance parameters.