Effect of supplementation of combinations of different levels of selenium and vitamin E on relative weight of some organs and serum enzyme level in broilers

The effect of graded levels of selenium and vitamin E on relative weight of some organs and semm enzyme level was studied on 252 broiler chicks. A 4x3 factorial arrangement of treatments involving four selenium (0, 0.10, 0.50 and 1.00 mglkg diet) and three vitamins E (0,150 and 300 IU/kg diet) levels were used. Significant (p<0.05) increase in relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius was observed at a level of 0.10 mg of selenium and 150 IU of vitamin E per Kilogram of diet. The interaction effect of vitamin E and selenium was significant. However, the relative weights of spleen, thymus and liver were not affected by dietary supplemental vitamin E and selenium. Progressive decrease in glutamic oxloacetic transaminase (GOT) was observed with gradual increase in the level of selenium. Significantly higher GOT values were observed in chicks fed diet without supplemental vitamin E and selenium. It is suggested that for maintenance of normal structure and tonicity of muscle higher levels of selenium and vitamin E may be required. The increased weight of bursa of Fabricius may be due to its role in the immune function.