Influence of l-selenomethionine on pigeon breeder's reproductive performance and squab's growth and muscle development

This study evaluated the effects of dietary l‑selenomethionine supplementation on breeding pigeons and their squabs. Forty‑eight pairs of breeding pigeons were divided into two groups: a control group receiving a basal diet and an experimental group receiving the same diet supplemented with 0.1 mg/kg selenium as l‑selenomethionine. Both groups were fed for 45 days following a “2 + 4” breeding pattern. Compared with the control group, experimental males showed greater weight loss (77.8 vs 55.8 g, +39.4%, P < 0.05), while females showed a trend towards reduced loss (P = 0.097). Squabs in the experimental group exhibited significantly higher nest and individual weights at Day 14 and Day 21 (P < 0.05), alongside reduced breast muscle fibre area and diameter (P < 0.01). Two‑way ANOVA revealed that l‑selenomethionine significantly increased plasma T‑SOD activity in breeders (treatment main effect, P = 0.003), which remained significant after FDR correction (q = 0.014). Additionally, l‑selenomethionine reduced MDA content in squab leg muscle and upregulated GPX1/2 mRNA expression in muscle (P < 0.05), although these changes were only nominally significant after FDR correction (q > 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.1 mg/kg l‑selenomethionine promoted squab growth and altered muscle fibre morphology, with no significant adverse effects detected on reproductive performance; however, the biological significance of these changes, particularly the molecular and antioxidant responses, warrants further investigation.