Characterization of selenium-enriched Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and its effects on egg selenium deposition and quality in laying hens.
Selenium-enriched Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can increase egg selenium content, but it may also reduce eggshell thickness, which could affect egg quality.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the selank corpusSummary and findings
This study characterized selenium-enriched Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and assessed its effects on egg selenium deposition and quality in laying hens. A total of 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were supplemented with graded levels of selenium (0.3, 0.6, 1.5, and 3.0 mg Se/kg diet) over 8 weeks. The results indicated no significant effect on production performance, but egg selenium content increased linearly with dietary SEL level.
Abstract
Selenium-enriched Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (SEL) is a selenium supplement with potential probiotic properties, yet its characterization and dose-response efficacy in laying hens remain poorly defined. This study aimed to characterize the selenium speciation and nanoparticle properties of a laboratory-prepared SEL product and to establish a dose-response framework for egg selenium biofortification. Multi-method physicochemical characterization confirmed that elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) constituted 76.54% of total selenium, with an organic biomolecular surface coating, confirming efficient biotransformation of inorganic selenite by L. plantarum GS-3. In the animal trial, 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 22 weeks old were randomly allocated to five treatments, including an unsupplemented control and four graded SEL levels (0.3, 0.6, 1.5, and 3.0 mg Se/kg diet). The animal experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that SEL supplementation had no significant effect on any production performance (P > 0.05). Eggshell thickness was significantly reduced in SEL-supplemented groups at both weeks 4 and 8 (P < 0.001), possibly reflecting selenium-associated modulation of uterine calcium transport or eggshell mineralization processes; albumen height and Haugh unit were transiently reduced at week 4 but recovered at week 8. Egg selenium content increased linearly with dietary SEL level in both albumen and yolk at weeks 4 and 8 (P < 0.001), with evidence of a deposition plateau in yolk at 1.5 mg Se/kg. These findings provide comprehensive physicochemical characterization of a biogenic SEL product and establish a dose-response framework for selenium biofortification of eggs using selenium-enriched L. plantarum.
Background
This paper addresses the characterization of selenium-enriched Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and its potential as a selenium supplement in poultry. Previous research has indicated that selenium can enhance egg quality, but the specific effects of selenium-enriched probiotics on egg production and quality remain inadequately defined. Understanding the dose-response relationship for selenium biofortification in eggs is crucial for optimizing poultry nutrition and improving egg quality.
Methods
The study utilized an animal trial design involving 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens, aged 22 weeks, which were randomly allocated to five treatment groups: one control group without supplementation and four groups receiving graded levels of selenium (0.3, 0.6, 1.5, and 3.0 mg Se/kg diet). The trial lasted for 8 weeks, and primary outcome measures included production performance and egg quality parameters such as eggshell thickness, albumen height, and egg selenium content.
Results
The primary endpoint indicated that SEL supplementation had no significant effect on production performance (P > 0.05). However, eggshell thickness was significantly reduced in SEL-supplemented groups at both weeks 4 and 8 (P < 0.001). Additionally, egg selenium content increased linearly with dietary SEL level at weeks 4 and 8 (P < 0.001), with a plateau observed in yolk at 1.5 mg Se/kg.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while selenium supplementation can enhance egg selenium content, the reduction in eggshell thickness raises concerns about potential negative impacts on egg quality. Compared to prior literature, the effect sizes observed in this study may not be clinically meaningful for production performance. Limitations include the lack of significant findings on production performance and the need for further investigation into the implications of reduced eggshell thickness.
Key findings
- 76.54% of total selenium constituted by elemental selenium nanoparticles.
- No significant effect on production performance (P > 0.05).
- Eggshell thickness significantly reduced in SEL-supplemented groups at weeks 4 and 8 (P < 0.001).
- Albumen height and Haugh unit transiently reduced at week 4 but recovered at week 8.
- Egg selenium content increased linearly with dietary SEL level at weeks 4 and 8 (P < 0.001).
- Deposition plateau in yolk observed at 1.5 mg Se/kg.
Limitations
- No significant effect on production performance (P > 0.05).
- Reduced eggshell thickness may have negative implications for egg quality.
- Short duration of 8 weeks may not capture long-term effects.
- Single species of laying hens used in the study.