Toxicity effects of different dietary selenium forms on sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus

This experiment was conducted to determine the toxicological effect of selenomethionine (Se-met) and biofermenting Selenium (Se-bio) supplementation with basal diet to investigate growth performance, bioaccumulation and non-specific immune function in sea cucumber, (Apostichopus japonicus). Three groups of sea cucumbers in triplicate were given basal diet or supplemented with selenium (Se) from Se-met or Se-bio for 30 days. No significant difference in survival was observed among three treatments, but both groups fed with Se exhibited significant inhibition in body weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio compared to control group, meanwhile, feed conversion rate was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than control group. The Se content in the body wall significantly (P < 0.05) increased in Se-treated animals as compared with the control group. Antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in body wall of sea cucumber fed Se-met supplemented diet compared to other groups. Se-met group resulted in significantly lower level of lysozyme activity compared to the control group. Therefore, when comparing similar doses from different Se sources, responses in bioaccumulation and nonspecific immune function were markedly greater in Se-met as opposed to Se-bio.