Effect of Route of Supplementation of Synthetic Selenium on Performance and Behavioural Responses of Uda Rams

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different modes of selenium (Se) supplementation on growth performance, body morphometry, nutrient intake, digestibility, and behavioural responses of Uda rams. Fifteen rams were assigned to three treatments: control, 12 mg/kg Se in feed, and 12 mg/kg Se in water. Results indicated the dry matter (DM) intake observed in the selenium study ranged from 756.817 g (selenium in feed) to 767.273 g (selenium in water), selenium supplementation significantly improved final body weight, weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, with supplementation via feed showing the highest (P<0.05) performance. Body length, initial and final, also increased significantly (P<0.05) in selenium-supplemented rams, while heart girth changes were not significant (P>0.05). Nutrient intake and digestibility were largely unaffected. Behavioral analyses revealed increased (P<0.05) eating and reduced lying idle in selenium-supplemented rams, particularly in the water-supplemented group, indicating enhanced activity and metabolic efficiency. Correlation analyses highlighted strong relationships between feeding behavior and performance metrics, suggesting that selenium supplementation positively influences growth, nutrient utilization, and welfare in Uda rams. The findings demonstrate that both feed and water supplementation of selenium can enhance growth and productivity, with water supplementation providing improved behavioral outcomes.