Selenium in poultry nutrition - 1. Antioxidant properties, deficiency and toxicity

Selenium (Se) has a special place among the feed-derived natural antioxidants, being an integral part of selenoproteins participating in the regulation of various physiological processes in the body. As a part of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) Se belongs to the first and second major levels of antioxidant defence in the cell. There are two major sources of Se for poultry organic selenium, mainly in the form of selenomethionine (SeMet), which can be found in any feed ingredient in varying concentrations and inorganic selenium, mainly selenite or selenate, which are widely used for dietary supplementation. There is a principal difference in metabolism and efficiency of these two forms of selenium, with SeMet being more effective. In fact SeMet possesses antioxidant properties, however, in some conditions selenite can be a pro-oxidant. Se deficiency and excess in modern poultry production are very rare. In general, adequate Se supplementation is considered to be a crucial factor in maintaining the high productive and reproductive characteristics of commercial poultry.