The choice of litter type (LT) in broiler chicken production can significantly influence overall performance
and health. Adding specific combinations of L-selenomethionine and Vitamin E (L-SeMet + V.E) to drinking
water can impact broiler chickens’ health. This study aimed to explore the effects of two LT types, wood
shavings (WS) and perforated plastic litter (PL) as well as water supplementation with L-SeMet + V.E, on
growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, and thyroid hormone levels in broiler chickens.
A total of 312 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to two different LT groups (WS and
PL), with 156 chicks in each. Within each LT group, the chickens were further divided into four subgroups: a
control group (T0) that received plain water, and three treatment groups that received drinking water
supplements. Each subgroup consisted of three replicates, with 13 broiler chickens per replicate. The water
treatments involved varying levels of supplementation with L-SeMet and vitamin E: T1 (0.5 mg/L + 250
mg/L), T2 (1 mg/L + 250 mg/L), and T3 (1.5 mg/L + 250 mg/L). Chickens were assessed for growth
performance, feed efficiency, and blood biochemical parameters including lipids, liver enzymes, antioxidants,
and thyroid hormones. Chickens raised on PL and receiving T3 exhibited significantly enhanced performance
and feed efficiency, outperforming those raised on WS and given different supplementation levels. Significant
enhancements were observed in the blood lipid profile and liver enzyme levels across the different LT groups,
with the highest values recorded in the PL group. Additionally, broiler chicken in the T2 group, along with the
WS × T2 and PL × T3 interactions, showed a notable improvement in blood biochemical parameters.
Similarly, chickens raised on PL and given T3-supplemented water, along with the interactions WS × T2 and
PL × T3, showed a significant improvement in antioxidant status and thyroid hormone levels in comparison to
chickens raised on WS and the other treatment combinations. The use of PL and supplemenation with LSeMet + V.E in drinking water were found to enhance growth performance, improve blood parameters,
increase antioxidant capacity, and influence thyroid hormone levels in broiler chickens.