To see the 471 projects click on this link. This is the first in a series of reports on research completed as part of Animal Science 471 Applied Poultry Research at the University of Alberta. Introduction Maintaining high fertility is critical for successful hatching egg production. Changes in diets can be used to improve fertility. Selenium is an essential nutrient and is important for reducing cell membrane damage.
Selenium is found in different forms.
Organic forms are found in plant and animal materials and are generally easier for animals to absorb. This trial looked at the effect of selenium supplementation on fertility. About fertilization After mating, sperm can be stored by the hen in specialized tubules in her oviduct for up to two weeks. Although only one sperm is needed to fertilize an egg, the likelihood of getting fertile eggs increases when more sperm penetrate the yolk. In most cases many sperm penetrate the membrane surrounding the yolk.