The effect of selenium supplement on the sera concentrations of selenium and GHS in the calves of heifers

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the role of selenium supplement consumption in pregnant heifer in late permanency on selenium, glutathione peroxidase serum levels in heifers and newborn calves. 16 heavy pregnant heifers were selected and divided into two control and treatment groups with 8 heifers. The environmental, management and nutrition conditions were the same. In treatment group selenium supplement was consumed 1mg/day for 30 days. In Zero day and in delivery period blood samples were drawn from neck vessel in heifers, then blood samples were drawn from calved when birth and 48 hours hater. After removing serum, selenium serum level and glutathione peroxidase level were measured by atom absorption method and biochemical kit respectively. In heifers selenium and glutathione peroxidase serum level increased meaningfully in treatment group (p=0.003, p= 0.008), in calves selenium serum level increased meaningfully in treatment group (p= 0.042) but glutathione peroxidase serum level did not increase meaningfully (p=0.076). In treatment calves selenium and glutathione peroxidase were increased 48 hours after birth but it was not meaningful. (p=0.88, p=0.052). It was concluded that selenium supplement consumption in late preganancy cause to increase in selenium and glutathione peroxidase serum in heifers and calves that can be beneficial as a antioxidant. It is recommended as a cow ration supplement.

Keywords

• Selenium supplement
• Pregnant heifers
• calves
• Serum level