# Effects of incremental nano-selenium supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, blood profiles, and economic efficiency in V-line rabbits

## TL;DR

Adding nano-selenium to rabbits' drinking water improves their growth, health, and economic efficiency, with the best results at low doses.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates that incremental nano-selenium supplementation in drinking water enhances rabbit growth and health while reducing production costs.

## Key findings

- Nano-selenium at 0.1 ppm significantly improved growth performance and feed efficiency in rabbits.
- Higher doses of nano-selenium (0.2 and 0.3 ppm) enhanced liver and kidney function and antioxidant activity.
- Nano-selenium reduced pathogenic bacteria in the cecum and increased net profit in rabbit farming.

## Abstract

The use of nano-selenium (Nano-Se) in the rabbit industry has gained attention as an optimal selenium source due to its potential benefits. This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of Nano-Se in drinking water on growth, carcass traits, blood profiles, microbial counts, and economic efficiency in growing rabbits. Seventy-two male V-line rabbits (five weeks old) were divided into four groups: a control group (T1, 0 ppm Nano-Se) and three treatment groups receiving Nano-Se at 0.1 ppm (T2), 0.2 ppm (T3), and 0.3 ppm (T4) for eight weeks. Results showed significant improvements (p < 0.01) in growth performance, including final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, particularly at 0.1 ppm. Carcass yield and haemato-biochemical markers also improved significantly, with higher Nano-Se levels (0.2 and 0.3 ppm) enhancing kidney and liver functions and antioxidant activity, as reflected by reduced urea, AST, and MAD levels. Additionally, Nano-Se supplementation reduced pathogenic bacterial counts in the cecum, particularly Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp., and improved the total bacterial count at higher doses. Economically, Nano-Se supplementation decreased production costs and significantly increased net profit and efficiency, especially at the 0.1 ppm dose. In conclusion, Nano-Se, particularly at 0.1 ppm in drinking water, improved growth, health, and economic outcomes, positioning it as a valuable supplement for sustainable rabbit farming.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-23823-0.