The effects of different selenium sources on sperm quality parameters in aged broiler breeder roosters

In order to improve fertility, selenium supplementation serves as an important consideration in animals' diets. The impacts of selenium supplementation depend on the source and quantity of selenium in the diet, so this study was performed to evaluate the effects of different selenium sources on sperm quality parameters in aged broiler breeder roosters (BBR). The study took place over a 40-day period; for the first two weeks, all birds received the same basal diet, and then for the next 40 days, the roosters were fed the experimental diets containing different sources (i.e., sodium selenite, organic selenium, and selenium nano-bio-chelate) and levels of selenium (i.e., 0, 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 mg/kg). Every ten days, sperm was collected from the BBR by the belly rub method. The collected sperm was evaluated for several qualitative parameters such as volume, concentration, viability, and plasma membrane function. Each parameter was assessed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS 9.4 software. The results of the present study showed that supplementing the diet with selenium at a level of 0.30 mg/kg, regardless of its source, led to an increase in the concentration and motility percentage of sperm, as well as a decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperm. Furthermore, the plasma membrane function of sperm was also enhanced following the addition of selenium to the diet. These findings suggest that selenium supplementation, particularly at a level of 0.30 mg/kg, may improve sperm quality parameters and promote fertility in aged BBR. The present study indicated that the dietary supplementation of selenium, particularly at a level of 0.30 mg/kg, has a positive impact on the reproductive performance of old roosters. The results revealed that the organic form of selenium, such as Selmax and selenium nano-bio-chelate were more effective than sodium selenite, a popular inorganic form of selenium, in enhancing the fertility of the roosters.