Comparative Effects of Capsicum annuum-Derived Selenium Nanoparticles and Sodium Selenite on Reproductive Performance, Egg Quality, and Male Sexual Behavior in Japanese Quails

The effects of selenium on poultry health and reproduction have been extensively studied using inorganic sodium selenite (SS). However, limited research has been done on organic selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs). This study aimed to compare Se-NPs and SS on productivity, egg quality, reproductive performance, and male sexual behavior in Japanese quails. A total of 480 quails (8 weeks old) were assigned to 5 different experimental groups (96 birds in each group) with six replicates (pens) sex ratio 1 male: 3 females. One group was designated as control (fed by basal diet), whereas two groups were fed with different levels of Se-NPs (0.2 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg), and two groups with SS (0.2 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg). The trial lasted for 9 weeks. The highest productive performance was observed in quails supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg Se-NPs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Quails supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg Se-NPs had the highest egg weight (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The highest shape and albumen index were identified in the group supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg Se-NPs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, the highest shell ratio, yolk ratio, yolk index, and Haugh unit were determined in the group supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg Se-NPs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The group supplemented with 0.4 mg Se-NPs/kg had the highest fertility and hatchability, with the lowest embryo mortality. The group with 0.4 mg Se-NPs/kg exhibited the highest level of sexual behavior (wing flapping, waltzing, mounting, tidbitting, rear approach, treading). It was concluded that the supplementation of Se-NPs enhanced productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and male sexual behavior compared to the supplementation of SS.