Synergistic Roles of Dietary Selenium (Selenomethionine) and Vitamin E (α-tocopheryl acetate) in Enhancing Laying Performance and Egg Quality of Hens

Abstract

The study explored the laying performance and egg quality of hens fed dietary selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit E). A total of 72 laying hens with an initial average weight of 1233.61±14.64 g were randomly assigned to six treatments, with 12 birds per treatment (replicated thrice). Hens were fed six treatments in commercial diets that were isocaloric and isonitrogenous but varied in Se and Vit E levels, namely: 0.0 mg Se + 0.0 mg Vit E, 0.5 mg Se + 0.0 mg Vit E, 0.0 mg Se + 100 mg Vit E, 0.0 mg Se + 200 mg Vit E, 0.5 mg Se + 100 mg Vit E, and 0.5 mg Se + 200 mg Vit E. The study lasted for 84 days and followed a Completely Randomized Design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Results showed that Se inclusion in hens’ diets had no adverse effect on laying performance, with a significant (P<0.05) increase in feed intake and hen-day egg production when 0.5 mg was supplemented. Significant effects were observed in final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and egg weight due to 200 mg Vit E inclusion (P<0.05). Interaction effects caused significant differences in final body weight, weight gain, and feed intake, with an improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). Regarding egg quality, 0.5 mg Se improved eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, and egg shape index (ESI), whereas 200 mg Vit E improved (P<0.05) yolk height, yolk index, yolk weight, egg surface area, shell percent, eggshell weight per surface area (ESWSA), and Haugh unit. Se + Vit E interactions improved ESI, Haugh unit, and ESWSA. Based on these findings, we conclude that 0.5 mg Se, 200 mg Vit E, or their combination is appropriate for optimum production and reproduction of laying hens.