Comparative impact of selenium sources and doses on sexual behaviour, productivity and gonadal bioaccumulation in <i>Coturnix coturnix japonica</i>

Selenium nanoparticles improve, growth, reproductive health, and product quality in poultry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Se-NPs and sodium selenite on sexual behaviour, productive performance, and bioaccumulation in the testes and ovaries of C. japonica. A total of 480 qualis (8 weeks old) were distributed into five groups (96 chicks/group) with six replicates having sex ratio 1 male: 3 females. Group 1 received basal diet, while Groups 2 and 3 received basal diets supplemented with Se-NPs at 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received basal diets supplemented with SS at 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. Se-NPs at 0.4 mg/kg significantly improved sexual behaviour, productive performance, egg quality parameters, and reproductive performance. Selenium bioaccumulation in testicular and ovarian tissues increased with supplement concentration, with the greatest levels observed in the 0.4 mg/kg Se-NPs group. Compared to SS, Se-NPs caused more tissue deposition, and ovarian Se levels were positively correlated with hatchability and fertility. At 0.4 mg/kg, Se-NPs significantly improved hatchability and fertility compared to other doses. In conclusion, 0.4 mg/kg Se-NPs enhanced sexual behaviour, egg quality, reproductive performance, and gonadal bioaccumulation, with a positive correlation to improve fertility and hatchability.