Effect of dietary supplementation of biosynthesized nano-selenium particles on growth, blood indices, antioxidant status, immune response and histological features of intestine in broilers

This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly, cost-effective method for synthesizing selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and assess their effects on broiler health and performance. Four hundred Ross 308 chicks were assigned to five groups, receiving either a basal diet, sodium selenite (0.3 ppm), or SeNPs at 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ppm for 35 days. Birds fed 0.5 ppm SeNPs (T4) showed significantly higher weight gain and lower serum triglycerides and ileal crypt depth than the control. Antioxidant markers (SOD, GSH-Px) were improved in SeNP-fed groups, with reduced malondialdehyde levels. While no significant improvement in feed conversion ratio was observed, higher SeNP doses (0.4-0.5 ppm) enhanced antioxidant status, lipid profile, and intestinal morphology. Equal selenium levels (0.3 ppm) showed no growth advantage for SeNPs over inorganic selenium, suggesting the need for dose-optimization studies.