Effect of Organic Selenium Supplementation on Growth, Se Uptake, and Nutrient Utilization in Guinea Pigs

Forty weaned male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) of 152.6 +/- 7.96 g mean body weight were divided into four equal groups and fed a common basal diet comprised of 25% ground cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hay, 30% ground maize (Zea mays) grain, 22% ground gram (Cicer arietinum) grain, 9.5% deoiled rice (Oryza sativa) bran, 6% soybean (Glycine max) meal, 6% fish meal, 1.5% mineral mixture (without Se), and ascorbic acid at 200 mg/kg to meet their nutrient requirements along with 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 ppm of organic selenium (Se) in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for a period of 10 weeks, during which, daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded. Intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract as well as uptake of calcium and phosphorus were similar (P > 0.05) among the four groups. Feed:gain ratio was also similar (P > 0.05) in the four groups. However, digestibility of crude protein was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in group II supplemented with 0.1 ppm organic Se as compared to other three group. Intake and absorption of Se was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in all the Se supplemented groups as compared to control group. Average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group II (3.16 g/day) and III (3.38 g/day) as compared to group I (2.88 g/day). However, ADG in group IV (supplemented 0.3 ppm organic Se) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower (2.83 g/day) than group II and III, but comparable (P > 0.05) to group I. Findings of the present experiment suggests that Se requirements of guinea pigs are a parts per thousand yen0.2 ppm, as supplementation of 0.1 ppm organic Se in the diet (having 0.1 ppm Se) not only enhanced their growth rate but also improved the protein utilization.