Use of selenium-containing preparations in industrial duck farming

Today, the number of indicators used to monitor the mineral nutrition of poultry has increased significantly. However, the physiological requirements of different species and age groups of poultry for certain mineral elements which perform important biochemical functions in the body have not yet been fully established. This also applies to selenium, which, according to modern classification, is recognized as an essential trace element for poultry. The inclusion of selenium in compound feeds for young poultry alters the course of physiological and biochemical processes in the body, improves metabolism, and consequently contributes to enhanced productive traits. The recommended levels of selenium supplementation in compound feeds for ducklings, as established at various times and in different countries, vary and typically range from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg of feed. These discrepancies are likely due to differences in experimental conditions, background diets, duck breeds, and the specific selenium compounds used. Moreover, the selenium supplementation standards proposed by both foreign and domestic researchers for meat-producing ducklings are not always supported by economic calculations. In our view, these recommendations should be considered preliminary guidelines that require further substantiation and adjustment, taking into account regional feeding practices for poultry. A production trial lasting 56 days was conducted to determine the optimal level of selenium supplementation in compound feeds for young ducks. The study was carried out on Ukrainian White ducklings. Selenium was added to the compound feed of the experimental group at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg. The control group received feed without selenium supplementation. It was found that feeding ducklings with selenium-enriched compound feed at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg throughout the rearing period led to a 4.0 % increase in live weight (P < 0.05), a 3.0 % improvement in survival rate (P < 0.05), and a 3.6 % reduction in feed consumption per unit of production. Implementing the scientifically substantiated selenium supplementation level of 0.4 mg/kg in compound feeds for ducks can reduce the production cost per unit of output by 4.9 %, increase the profitability of duck meat production by 6.6 %, and result in an economic benefit of 5,974.44 UAH per 1,000 day-old ducklings.