Eco-friendly selenium nanoparticles from Capsicum annuum: Impact on growth efficiency, blood biochemistry, immune response, intestinal morphology, and profitability in broiler chickens

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on performance, biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, selenium tissue deposition, immune response, and economic return in broilers. Green SeNPs were synthesized using Capsicum annuum extract and characterized via XRD, UV–Vis, and FTIR spectroscopy. A total of 400 Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated into five dietary groups: control, 0.3 ppm inorganic selenium (T1), and 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ppm organic SeNPs (T2–T4). Over 35 days, growth performance, feed conversion, and blood and tissue parameters were recorded. Although feed intake, weight gain, and FCR were not significantly affected (P<0.05), birds in T4 showed numerically superior growth. Higher levels of organic SeNPs (T3, T4) significantly (P<0.05)) reduced ALT, AST, and urea levels, indicating improved hepatic and renal function. Villus height increased, and crypt depth decreased in Se-supplemented groups, particularly in T4, suggesting enhanced intestinal health. Selenium accumulation was significantly (P<0.05) higher in liver and blood, especially in T1 and T4. Humoral immunity was not significantly (P<0.05) influenced. Economically, despite slightly increased feed costs, organic SeNPs improved profitability, with T4 yielding the highest return. These findings support the use of biosynthesized SeNPs, especially at 0.5 ppm, as a cost-effective strategy to enhance broiler health and productivity.