Eco-friendly biotechnology for biogenic nanoselenium production and its use in combination with probiotics in poultry feeding: innovative feeding concepts

Abstract

There is a general increase in demand for poultry meat on the market today. This is especially true in developing and densely populated countries. The sector is expected to expand significantly in the near future. Due to high productivity, short fattening period and efficient conversion of feed into broiler chickens, poultry meat can be produced relatively easily and quickly, even in suboptimal conditions. Effective and innovative feeding concepts can ensure high productivity as well as maintaining the health of the bird's gut. One of the main reasons for the departure of young animals and poultry are diseases associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the causative agents of which are pathogenic microflora. However, the widespread use of chemotherapeutics of various origins, including the latest antibiotics, has led to the artificial formation of reservoirs of opportunistic pathogens. In order to ensure the environmental safety of food in the European Union, the use of antibiotics in poultry and poultry products is prohibited. In veterinary practice, antibiotics have been widely used as growth stimulants, which were used in subtherapeutic doses throughout the breeding broiler. However, convincing data indicate that antibiotics have contributed to the development of resistance in pathogenic strains. The emergence of resistant strains on poultry farms is a matter of serious concern. Reports have shown not only harm to animal health, but also to humans due to trophic interactions. Finding alternative sources of supplements that could be potential substitutes for antibiotics in broiler chickens is becoming a crucial issue for many researchers. Therefore, in order to find an acceptable and reliable alternative to antibiotics to ensure the safety of poultry products without compromising productivity, various studies are being conducted.