Abstract
Selenium is an essential element that is important for many metabolic processes. Feed components used in chicken nutrition, especially cereals, may be deficient in selenium, hence selenium supplementation is necessary. Taking into account the progress in breeding, and thus the higher demand of birds for this element, it seems obvious to investigate an increased selenium dose in the diet of chickens. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of feed enriched with different forms of selenium at an increased dose of 0.5 mg/kg feed on the profile and metabolism of fatty acids in the breast muscle and liver of chickens. The study was conducted on 300 Ross 308 chickens reared for 42 days under standard conditions. The control group received feed supplemented with sodium selenite at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg feed. The research groups received different forms of selenium (sodium selenate, selenised yeast, nano-selenium) at an increased dose of 0.5 mg/kg feed. The study showed that the administration of different forms of selenium in the feed affected its concentration in the breast muscle and liver (p ≤ 0.01). Nano-selenium was found to have a high bioavailability, but also a lower risk of toxicity compared to other forms of selenium. Using different forms of selenium (p ≤ 0.01) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg feed can significantly modify the fatty acid profile, lipid and enzymatic indices of fatty acid metabolism in breast muscle and liver.