Effect of Selenium-enriched Japanese Radish Sprouts and Rhodobacter capsulatus on the Cholesterol and Immune Response of Laying Hens

Immune response and yolk cholesterol are crucial factors for commercial chicken producers. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of selenium-enriched Japanese radish sprouts (Se-enriched JRS) and R. capsulatus synergistically on immune response and cholesterol in laying hens. A total of 50 laying hens (20-wk old) were assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, and fed diets supplemented with 2.5 ${\mu}g/kg$, 5 ${\mu}g/kg$, 10 ${\mu}g/kg$ Se-enriched JRS and 5 ${\mu}g/kg$ Se-enriched JRS+R. capsulatus (0.02%). Egg production and yolk color were significantly improved by the supplementation of Se-enriched JRS+R. capsulatus in the layer diet (p<0.05). Compared to the control, serum cholesterol concentration and triglyceride levels were decreased by all the treatments (p<0.05). After 8-wk of the experiment, supplementation of 5 ${\mu}g/kg$, 10 ${\mu}g/kg$ and Se-enriched JRS+R. capsulatus significantly reduced yolk cholesterol and triglycerides, while the greatest reduction was observed when R. capsulatus was incorporated with Se-enriched JRS. Spleen, bursa and thymus weight were significantly increased by both the 5 ${\mu}g/kg$ and 10 ${\mu}g/kg$ Se-enriched JRS. Compared to the control, supplementation of 5 ${\mu}g/kg$ and 10 ${\mu}g/kg$ Se-enriched JRS significantly increased serum IgG and yolk IgY concentration and foot web index activity by Newcastle Disease Virus (p<0.05). After 4-wk and 8-wk of supplementation, the highest number of leukocytes was observed with Se-enriched JRS+R. capsulatus (p<0.05). The highest concentration of serum and yolk Se was found in Se-enriched JRS plus R. capsulatus treatment. Combined dietary supplementation of Se-enriched JRS and R. capsulatus might be beneficial for better health, disease protection and overall production performance.