Effect of different amounts of organic selenium in the diet on broiler carcass parameters

This paper examined the effects of adding increased amounts of an organic selenium product to the diet on carcass quality parameters of broilers. The experiment was carried out on 275 individuals and lasted 42 days. It was divided into two phases. In the first phase (up to 21 days) chickens were divided into control group (K; without added Se), O-I group (0.300 mg Se/kg), O-II group (0.900 mg Se/kg). In the second phase of the experiment (from 21 to 42 days) the experiment comprised five treatment groups: K, O-II group (0.900 mg Se/kg); the O-I group was subdivided into O-Ia group (0.300 mg Se/kg), O-Ib group (0.600 mg Se/kg) and O-Ic group (0.900 mg Se/kg). Performance data were recorded. At the end of the experiment (42nd day) the broilers were transported to the slaughterhouse. After slaughtering, primary processing and cooling slaughter yield was determined and carcasses have been dissected into basic parts. Carcass weight and weights of carcass parts were higher in treatments where selenium has been added to diets. Breast meat yield was higher in treatments with supplements of Se, whereas, no differences have been observed for yields of thighs and drumsticks.