Pharmacological levels of copper and selenium augmenting good cholesterol in serum of healthy male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves

Abstract

Dietary pharmacological/supra-nutritional level of copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) was investigated in the ration of dairy buffalo calves. Male Murrah buffalo (20) calves (8–9 months, 112.1±7.69 kg body weight) were divided into 4 equal groups and fed basal diet (control, Cu =10.4 ppm and Se = 0.23 ppm) or basal diet supplemented with 10 ppm Cu (T1), 0.3 ppm Se (T2) or combination of 10 ppm Cu with 0.3 ppm Se (T3) for a period of 120 days. During experimental period blood samples were collected on days 0, 40, 80, and 120 and subjected for analysis of serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) for assessment of the pharmacological effect of trace minerals Cu and Se either alone or in combination. Supplementation of Cu alone (T1) or in combination with Se (T3) had reduced total cholesterol level from 80th day onward, whereas HDL remained high in all the supplemented groups at 120th day of observation as compared to control. It may be concluded that pharmacological level of Cu is helpful in reducing serum cholesterol levels, but Cu and Se was helpful for the augmentation of HDL levels of serum in buffaloes.

Keywords

• Buffalo calves
• Cholesterol
• Copper
• High-density lipoprotein
• Selenium