Effects of preweaning parenteral supplementation of vitamin E and selenium on hematology, serum proteins, and weight gain in dairy calves

Effects of Dietary Selenium Yeast Supplementation on Oxidative Biomarkers of the Brain and Blood in Goats

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary selenium yeast (SY) on the brain, CSF, and blood of 30 crossbreed goats (5-6 months of age) of both sexes. After the acclimatization of 2 weeks, they were randomly separated into two groups (n = 15) named C and SY groups. The C group received only a basal diet, while SY received a basal diet along with 0.3 mg/kg/diet of SY (Sel-Plex®) in total 0.035 mg/kg/diet of SY for 10 weeks. Se concentration (µg /g dry weight) in 15 different parts of the goat's brain was accessed, and results showed that the highest concentration was found in the occipital cerebrum (322.0 ± 6.146), whereas the lowest concentration was found in the midbrain (10.33 ± 0.232). Besides, the oxidative biomarkers including GSH (12.13 ± 0.191), GSH-Px (206.7 ± 2.362), GST (23.80 ± 0.279), CAT (14.80 ± 0.279), and SOD (152.5 ± 9.540) were increased in SY as compared to GSH (8.200 ± 0.144), GSH-Px (112.9 ± 1.183), GST (18.93 ± 0.284), CAT (12.53 ± 0.215), and SOD (109.0 ± 1.966) of C. The level of cholesterol was also significantly decreased in the serum of the SY group (84.87 ± 0.960) as compared to C (110.5 ± 0.592). In addition, the cholesterol level in CSF decreased significantly in SY (0.3567 ± 0.016) as compared to C (0.509 ± 0.009). The current research suggests that SY supplementation has improved the brain's antioxidant status, blood biochemistry, and cholesterol levels in both serum and CSF of goats.

The Effect of Maternal Dietary Selenium Supplementation on Blood Antioxidant and Metabolic Status of Ewes and Their Lambs

This study investigated the effect of dietary selenium supplementation (organic and inorganic) of late-gestation ewes on blood selenium concentrations and metabolic and antioxidant status indicators in ewes and their lambs. In addition, the efficacy of selenium transfer from ewes to lambs during the suckling period was determined. The study was conducted on 30 Merinolandschaf ewes and their lambs and lasted four months. The feed mixture of the control group (group I) contained no added selenium, while the feed mixture of group II was enriched with 0.3 mg/kg of organic selenium sources and the third group with 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic selenium sources. In ewes and their lambs, selenium supplementation significantly (p < 0.01; p < 0.05) increased selenium concentration, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity and decreased malondialdehyde concentration compared to the control group. Selenium supplementation had a positive effect on metabolism and hematological indicators in lambs. A positive correlation was found between antioxidant indicators in the whole blood of ewes and lambs. The good transfer of selenium from ewes to lambs was complemented by higher correlation coefficients when the feed mixture was supplemented with organic compared to inorganic selenium.

Effects of inorganic selenium injection on the performance of beef cows and their subsequent calves

Sixty-seven pregnant Angus cows and their subsequent calves were used in a randomized design to evaluate the effect of inorganic Se injection from 80 d of gestation until weaning on cow reproductive parameters, BW and BCS evolution, milk yield and quality, calf growth and calf hematology parameters. The treatments were as follows: 1) Se+: cows were administered Se as sodium selenite at doses of 0.05 mg/Kg of BW at 80, 140, 200, 260 d of gestation and 30, 90, 150 and 240 d of lactation. Calves from Se + cows were Se as sodium selenite subcutaneously injected with a dose of 0.05 mg/Kg of BW at 70, 104, 144 d of age; 2) Control: cows and calves were administered sterile NaCl solution (9 g/l) at the same volume and intervals as Se + treatment. At the start of the experiment, forage Se concentration was 58.6 ppb ± 7.6 ppb, and cow whole blood Se concentration was similar (P > 0.10) between treatments (Se+, 29.3 ± 0.3 ppb; Control, 28.1 ± 0.5 ppb). After Se injection, cow whole blood Se concentration was increased (P < 0.01) in Se + cows in relation to control cows until the end of the experiment. Calf whole blood Se concentration was increased (P < 0.01) at birth and 30 d of age in calves from Se + cows compared to calves from Control cows. However, calf whole blood Se concentration was not different (P > 0.10) between treatments at d 70 after birth. After the first Se injection (70 d of age), calf whole blood Se concentration was increased (P < 0.01) at 104 and 144 d of age in calves from Se + cows compared to calves from Control cows. Cow BW and BCS did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments throughout the experiment. Ovarian follicle diameter measured by ultrasound 47 d postpartum was greater (P = 0.03) in Se + cows compared to Control cows. Pregnancy rate to fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI), overall pregnancy rate (P > 0.10) and pregnancy loss (P = 0.19) did not differ between groups. Selenium injection did not affect (P > 0.10) milk yield and composition. Calf morphometric parameters, BW at birth and growth rate during lactation were not affected (P > 0.10) by treatments. No significant effect (P > 0.10) was observed between treatments on hematological results of blood samples from calves at weaning. Results of this study shown that inorganic Se injection was an efficient tool to improve Se-status in cow-calf operation under extensive management. Selenium injection increased follicle diameter in postpartum beef cow, however, did not affect the rest of the variables studied.

Effect of peroral supplementation with selenium and vitamin e during late pregnancy on udder health and milk quality in dairy cows

The aim of the experiment was to study selenium and vitamin E sources in the diet of dairy cows in late phase of pregnancy and their effects on udder health and milk quality during the first two weeks after calving. The experiment included 48 cows of Holstein breed divided into four equal groups (n = 12). The first experimental group (D1) was fed with addition of vitamin E in total dose of 1020 dl-a-tocopherol acetate Se/cow per day. The second group (D2) was added the selenium at a dose of 0.3 mg.kg-1 of DM in form of sodium selenite. The third group (D3) was supplemented with addition of vitamin E in combination with sodium selenite in total dose of 1020 dl-a-tocopherol acetate Se/cow per day and of 5.0 mg Se/cow per day, respectively. The control group (C) was without the addition of selenium and vitamin E. In group (D2) with addition of selenium at a dose of 0.3 mg.kg-1 of DM and vitamin E a dose of 50 mg dl-a-tocopherol acetate/kg of DM in diet, increased the plasmatic concentration of selenium and vitamin E and reduced the incidence of mastitis by 13.3% and number of somatic cells during peripartal period in comparison with other groups.

Influence of selenium and vitamin e supplementation during pregnancy on udder health and milk quality in dairy cows at parturition

Selenium and vitamin E ranks among very important antioxidant agents protecting the organism from the effect of reactive oxygen forms. The deficiency of both nutrients during pregnancy in cows often result in metabolic disorders and increased of cases of related diseases (mastitis, retained placenta and other reproductive disorders). The aim of the present work was to study the influence of different dose of parenteral administration selenium and vitamin E in dairy cows prior to parturition on selected metabolic parameters, udder health and milk quality. A total in herd of 270 Holstein cattle in east of Slovakia in a two-four lactation-gestation cycle the control group (C) and 2 experimental groups (D, D1) were selected. All groups were similarly housed, managed and fed with the diet containing from 36 to 42 mg vitamin E and 0.2 mg.kg-1 Se of DM through the study period. In group D a products containing vitamin E and selenium were administered IM four weeks prior to the expected date of parturition in total dose of 1000 mg of dl-α-tocopherol acetate and of 44 mg sodium selenite per cow, respectively. In group D1 the same products were administered twice, four and two weeks prior to parturition. Blood samples were 4 weeks prior to predicted calving date (the time of treatment), on parturition day and at 14th day after calving for assessment of plasma vitamin E and selenium concentrations. Blood samples of the calves were drawn from jugular vein at birth and first colostrum was also collected. The occurrence of the mastitis and retained placenta during the first 14th day after calving were evaluated in all groups. Higher plasmatic and colostral concentrations of selenium and vitamin E were found only in group with repeat application of Se and vitamin E (D1) collected on the day of parturition. At the 14th day of postpartal period a trend of lower occurrence of mastitis was observed in group D1 compared to D group, administered IM once and control group. Parenteral supplementation of selenium and vitamin E during pregnancy had no impact on their transmission into the milk and on the presence of bacterial agents in raw milk obtained from dairy cows diagnosed with mastitis. 

Comparing the effect of oral supplementation of vitamin E, injective vitamin E and selenium or both during late pregnancy on production and reproductive performance and immune function of dairy cows and calves

The object of this study was to determine the effect of prepartum supplementation of vitamin E with or without injective vitamin E and selenium (Se) on productive and reproductive performances and immune function in dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided randomly into three groups at the end of gestation. Cows in each group received one of three treatments: (1) a single intramuscular (im) injection of vit. E + selenium 3 weeks prepartum; (2) daily supplementation of oral vit. E given from 3 weeks prepartum to parturition; (3) injective vit. E + Se with daily supplementation of oral vit. E. Blood samples were collected from cows at calving and from calves at 0 and 7 days of age. Concentration of IgG in serum of cows and calves as well as in colostrum was determined. No significant differences among treatments occurred in the concentrations of IgG, animal, and calf production and reproduction performance. Due to the lack of significant difference between injection and oral supplementation, it is recommended to replace the injection with oral supplementation.

Effects of organic and inorganic selenium supplementation during late pregnancy on colostrum and serum Se status, performance and passive immunity in Merghoz goats

This study was conducted to determine the effects of organic and inorganic selenium (Se) supplementation during late pregnancy on serum Se status, colostrum, performance and passive immunity in Merghoz goats in Iran. Thirty Merghoz goats (30 ± 3 kg) were given the same basal diet containing 0.11 mg Se/kg DM and were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments in a randomised complete block design. Four weeks before the expected kidding, the basal diets were supplemented with 0 (control), 0.3 mg Se/head.day in the form of L-selenomethionin (Se-Met) and 0.3 mg Se/head.day in the form of sodium selenite. Blood samples were collected from the goats in three phases: (1) a couple of days before starting the supplementation; (2) before the expected kidding; and (3) on the day of kidding. Blood samples were also taken from the newborn kids from the jugular vein at birth and 7 days of age. The serum Se and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations, the white blood cells (WBC) and differential leukocyte counts were measured. The reproductive parameters such as the number of kids born per kidding, total weight of kids born per goat mating, the pregnancy period and kid birthweights were determined. The results indicated that the serum Se concentration increased in supplemented goats compared with controls. The Se concentrations also significantly increased in the colostrum of treated goats (P < 0.05). Similarly, serum Se concentrations in kids of treated goats were increased at birth. On the other hand, colostrum and daily milk production were not affected by Se supplementation. Likewise, the change in the mean serum IgG levels was not different among goats and kids (P > 0.05). However, the WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were higher in the kids of goats in the Se-Met group compared with the control group on the day of birth and 7 days of age (P < 0.05). It seemed that Se-Met could have influenced the lamb’s immunity at birth and 7 days of age. By contrast, selenite has not affected the performance and passive immunity in Merghoz goats.

Influence of different amounts and sources of selenium supplementation on performance, some blood parameters, and nutrient digestibility in lambs

Two trials were conducted in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of different sources of selenium (Se) on performance, blood metabolites, and nutrient digestibility in male lambs on a barley-based diet. The first trial lasted for 70 days and consisted of 30 lambs (35.6 ± 2.6 kg mean body weight, about 4-5 months of age) which were randomly allotted to five treatments including: (1) basal diet (containing 0.06 mg Se/kg DM; control) without supplementary Se, (2) basal diet + 0.20 mg/kg Se as sodium selenite (SeS 0.20), (3) basal diet + 0.40 mg/kg Se as sodium selenite (SeS 0.40), (4) basal diet + 0.20 mg/kg Se as selenium yeast (SeY 0.20), and (5) basal diet + 0.40 mg/kg Se as selenium yeast (SeY 0.40). For the second trial, four lambs from each group of experiment 1 were randomly allocated to individual metabolic cages for 14 days to measure the effects of dietary Se on nutrient digestibility. The results revealed that there were no significant differences for average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed/gain ratio, hematological parameters (packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell, and hemoglobin values), serum total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatine phosphokinase due to supplementation of different amounts and sources of Se in lambs. Dietary Se supplementation significantly improved (P < 0.001) glutathione peroxidase activity in blood. Furthermore, at the end of the trial, serum tri-iodothyronine (T3) amount also increased (P < 0.05), while serum thyroxine (T4) amount decreased (P < 0.05). Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber increased (P < 0.05) by Se yeast supplementation. It may be concluded that supplementation of Se in lambs had no significant effect on performance and blood hematology, but increased blood glutathione peroxidase activity and serum T3 amount and decreased serum T4 amount as compared to non-supplemented control lambs. Furthermore, Se yeast improved nutrient digestibility in lambs.

The effect of enriched milk with selenium and vitamin E on growth rate, hematology, some blood biochemical factors, and immunoglobulins of newborn goat kids

Thirty male and female (n = 15 for each one) Markhoz newborn goat kids (aged 7 ± 3 days) were distributed in a randomized block design in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement: two levels of sodium selenite as a source of selenium (0.2 or 0.3 ppm Se), two levels of α-tocopherol acetate as a source of vitamin E (150 or 200 IU Vit E), and one control treatment with six repetitions per treatment (each replicate included three male and three female kids). Animals were fed daily by Se-Vit E-enriched milk (Se-Vit E treatments) or non-enriched milk (control treatment). Growth rate, hematology, and serum biological parameters were measured. The levels of serum albumin (P < 0.01), serum globulin (P < 0.05), total serum protein levels (P < 0.01), erythrocyte counts (RBC) (P < 0.001), hemoglobin (P < 0.001), hematocrit (P < 0.001), leukocyte counts (WBC) (P < 0.001), IgA (P < 0.05), IgG (P < 0.01), and IgM (P < 0.01) significantly differed among treatments, while no significant differences were observed for calcium, lymphocyte, neutrophil average daily gain and body weight among treatments. Kids feeding by enriched milk with 0.3 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher serum total protein, globulin, RBC, IgA, IgG, and IgM compared to control and those fed by enriched milk to 0.2 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher WBC counts.

Effect of prepartum supplementation of selenium and vitamin E on serum Se, IgG concentrations and colostrum of heifers and on hematology, passive immunity and Se status of their offspring

Forty heifers at the late stage of gestation were randomly assigned into five groups. Heifers were balanced for age, weight, and time of calving in each group. Four and 2 weeks before expected time of calving, the heifers were injected with 0 ml (C), 10 ml (T1), 20 ml (T2), 30 ml (T3), and 40 ml (T4) Se and VE supplements, respectively. Each milliliter of the supplement contained of 0.5 mg Se as sodium selenite and 50 IU of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Blood samples were collected from the heifers 4 weeks before expected calving and at calving day and from the calves at birth and 7 days of age. The serum Se and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations, white blood cell and differential leukocyte counts were measured. The Se concentrations in the sera of the heifers before the injections of Se and VE supplements were the same among the groups (P > 0.05), but after calving were significantly increased in the treated heifers (P < 0.05). Similarly, the serum Se levels of calves of the treated heifers were higher (P < 0.05). The Se concentrations in the colostrums of the heifers were affected by treatments (P < 0.05). Colostrum and daily milk productions at 8-week lactation were increased in treated heifers compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Likewise, the milk somatic cell counts decreased in the treated heifers compared with the controls. The changes of the mean serum IgG levels did not differ among calves (P > 0.05). The white blood cell counts were higher in calves of heifers in groups T3 and T4 compared with the control group at 7 days of age (P < 0.05).

Parenteral selenium and vitamin E supplementation to lambs: hematology, serum biochemistry, performance, and relationship with other trace elements

Most regions in Iran are generally selenium (Se) deficient and all mineral premixes which used in farm animals contain Se in the form of sodium selenite. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of injected Se and vitamin E (vit E) on hematology, serum proteins, and performance of lambs during the period which the animals are at risk of Se and/or vit E deficiency. The study also aims to determine the relationship between selenium injection and the levels of other trace elements in blood serum of lambs. A total of 16 lambs of Baloochi breed (age, 70 ± 7 days and weight, 15.2 ± 1.4) were enrolled in the study. The animals were divided into two groups. In the test group, vit E and Se injected at a dose of 0.2 ml/kg BW (Vetoquinol, Selepherol®, Lure Cedex, France, α-tocopherol acetate 3.82 g/100 ml plus sodium selenite 0.023 g/100 ml) at the enrollment. Control lambs were received equal amounts of normal saline as placebo. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at the beginning of the study (enrollment, before injection of vit E and selenium and saline) and at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of experiment. The amounts of total serum protein, albumin, glucose, iron, copper, zinc, creatine kinase (CK), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Se were measured. The concentration of globulin was calculated as the difference between total serum protein and albumin. For evaluation of growth and health, body weight of all the lambs was measured at day 0 of the experiment and the sampling times and days of treatment for each lamb were recorded. Treatment with Se and vit E decreased the activities of CK and AST compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Age (sampling time) had significant effects on the values of Se, iron, zinc, AST, hemoglobin, total protein, glucose, weight, height, and length (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between sampling time and group were seen for CK, AST, iron, glucose, weight, and length. No significant differences were seen for total weight gain (control, 3.48 ± 0.75 kg; test, 3.85 ± 0.9 kg), and average daily gain (control, 0.12 ± 0.03 kg; test, 0.14 ± 0.03 kg) between trial groups.

Effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation during the late pregnancy on reproductive indices and milk production in heifers

A trial was performed to determine the effects of supplementation of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) on reproductive indices and milk production in Holstein heifers. Sixty heifers at the late stage of gestation were randomly assigned into three groups. Heifers were balanced for age, weight and time of calving. Four and 2 weeks before expected calving the heifers were injected 0 ml (C), 20 ml (T1), and 40 ml (T2) Se and VE supplements. Each ml contained 0.5mg Se and 50 IU of D, L-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Blood samples were collected from heifers 4 weeks before expected calving and at calving day. Se concentrations in serum and colostrums were measured. The reproductive parameters were recorded. The effects of Se and VE supplements on somatic cell count (SCC) and milk yield also were measured. Supplementation of Se increased the level of Se in serum of treated heifers at calving day (P<0.05). Se concentration of colostrums were affected by the treatments (P<0.05). Concerning reproductive performance of treated heifers; gestation length was similar among groups but in comparison with controls, T1 and T2 had no incidence of retained fetal membrane (i.e., beyond 12h.). In addition, open days were fewer in T1 and T2 heifers and the number of services per conception was fewer in T2 compared with controls (P>0.05). Daily milk production at 8 weeks lactation was significantly increased in T2 compared with controls (P<0.05). Likewise, the milk SCC decreased in treated heifers compared with controls (P<0.05).