Dietary use of selenium: a review of the antioxidant and scavenging effects on the poultry male reproductive system

SUMMARY Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with diverse physiological functions related to cellular homoeostasis, metabolism and antioxidant defence. Dietary supplementation of Se, as well as the use of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), has enhanced the reproductive performance and antioxidant status of poultry. The objective of this review was to synthesise data on the use of Se to improve the male reproductive system of poultry and to mitigate oxidative damage and ameliorate negative effects of toxic metals. Se has been reported to increase relative weights of reproductive organs (testes) and to enhance the quality of semen in birds. Studies also report that feeding Se-NPs to livestock can improve antioxidant status and cellular arrangements of germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules. Data show that a deficiency of Se can reduce the performance of the male reproductive system and nano-Se supplementation increases sexual behaviour, semen volume and sperm concentration in different avian species, including poultry. Taken together, there is strong evidence that Se supplementation is beneficial for chickens and can improve heat shock response, protect against germ cell injury and mitigate reproductive dysfunction following metal exposure. This review concludes that the administration of Se, in general, leads to improved fertility in male poultry.