Differents sources and levels of selenium on performance of broilers

Abstract

The research in nutrition of broiler chickens is searching for adjustments that supply to the birds the necessary nutrients for better productive performance. In this context the use of organic minerals is gaining force and becoming an alternative to increase the production. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three sources and two levels of selenium on the performance of broiler chickens. This work analysed 1440 young chickens of one day, males, that were created until the 42nd day. The assignment was completely randomized, with six experimental diets (A: 0,15 mg/kg inorganic; B: 0,15 mg/kg organic; C: 0,15 mg/kg inorg. + organic; D: 0,45 mg/kg inorganic; E: 0,45 mg/kg organic; F: 0,45 mg/kg inorg. + organic) and six repetitions with 40 birds each. It was used a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement and the obtained data were analyzed by PROC GLM of SAS. In regard to the performance, considering the total period (42 days), there was an effect of the level of Se on the weight gain (GP) and average daily gain (GMD); the alimentary conversion was the only variable that presented interaction between source and level of Se and the weight variables only presented the effect of the inclusion level, showing that source and level of Se are factors that together can exercise influence on the performance of the animals.