Ann. Méd. Vét., 2006, 150 (4), pp 203-211 Selenium in avian reproductionSCHOONHEERE N., ISTASSE L.Abstract :
Selenium is a trace element of importance for antioxidant defence in birds. It is essential for the correct
selenoprotein functions implicated in many physiological processes.
So, glutathione peroxidase plays a central role in the antioxidant defence of the cells owing to its capacity to eliminate free radicals and to the sparing effect on other cell antioxidants. Embryo tissues and spermatozoa are particularly sensitive to oxidative attacks due to their high content in polyunsaturated fatty acids. They require thus an efficient antioxidant system during the reproduction period. A dietary selenium deficiency results in many reproduction disorders, such as, decreases of fertility and of hatchability of fertile eggs. On the other hand, excess of selenium is toxic. There is, however,
a large difference between toxic dose and minimal requirements for adequate reproduction processes.
Dietary selenium supplementation is thus considered as a major measure to improve reproduction parameters. Get the PDF Contact person : nschoonheere@ulg.ac.be |