The Effect of Different Sources of Selenium Supplementation on the Meat Quality Traits of Young Charolaise Bulls during the Finishing Phase

Research progress on the biological regulatory mechanisms of selenium on skeletal muscle in broilers

As one of the indispensable trace elements for both humans and animals, selenium widely participates in multiple physiological processes and facilitates strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune enhancing abilities. The biological functions of selenium are primarily driven by its presence in selenoproteins as a form of selenocysteine. Broilers are highly sensitive to selenium intake. Recent reports have demonstrated that selenium deficiency can adversely affect the quality of skeletal muscles and the economic value of broilers; the regulatory roles of several key selenoproteins (e.g., GPX1, GPX4, TXNRD1, TXNRD3, SelK, SelT, and SelW) have been identified. Starting from the selenium metabolism and its biological utilization in the skeletal muscle, the effect of the selenium antioxidant function on broiler meat quality is discussed in detail. The progress of research into the prevention of skeletal muscle injury by selenium and selenoproteins is also summarized. The findings emphasize the necessity of in vivo and in vitro research, and certain mechanism problems are identified, which aids their further examination. This mini-review will be helpful to provide a theoretical basis for the further study of regulatory mechanisms of selenium nutrition in edible poultry.

Effect of Nano-selenium on Biological Mechanism of Goblet Cells of the Small Intestine Within Laying Hen

Dietary selenium intake within the normal physiological range is critical for various supporting biological functions. However, the effect of nano-selenium on biological mechanism of goblet cells associated with autophagy is largely unknown.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nano-selenium on the mucosal immune-defense mechanism of goblet cells (GCs) in the small intestine of laying hens.The autophagy was determined by using specific markers. Nano-selenium-treated group of immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and western blotting (WB) results indicated the strong positive immune signaling of microtubule-associated light chain (LC3) within the mucosal surface of the small intestine. However, weak expression of LC3 was observed in the 3-methyladenine autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) group. IHC and IF staining results showed the opposite tendency for LC3 of sequestosome 1 (P62/SQSTM1). P62/SQSTM1 showed strong positive immune signaling within the mucosal surface of the small intestine of the 3-MAgroup, and weak immune signaling of P62/SQSTM1 in the nano-selenium-treated group. Moreover, pinpointing autophagy was involved in the mucosal production and enrichment of mucosal immunity of the GCs. The morphology and ultrastructure evidence showed that the mucus secretion of GCs was significantly increased after nano-selenium treatment confirmed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Besides that, immunostaining of IHC, IF and WB showed that autophagy enhanced the secretion of Mucin2 (Muc2) protein in nano-selenium-treated group. This work illustrates that the nano-selenium particle might enhance the mucosal immune-defense mechanism via the protective role of GCs for intestinal homeostasis through autophagy.

Relationship between Beef Quality and Bull Breed

The beef industry in Poland heavily relies on the Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) breed, known for its primary use in dairy production, but which also contributes significantly to the beef supply. In contrast, the Limousine (LM), Hereford (HH), and Charolaise (CH) breeds have gained popularity due to their ideal specialized characteristics for beef production. As PHF continues to dominate the beef market, a thorough comparison of its beef quality and nutritional attributes with the three most popular beef breeds in Poland is essential. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a rigorous comparison. The experiment was carried out on the beef from 67 bulls kept in a free-stall system with standardized feeding. The highest total antioxidant status (TAS) was found in CH and was 147.5% higher than that in PHF. Also, compared with PHF, a large difference of 70% was observed in LM, while in HH it was only 6.25%. For degree of antioxidant potential (DAP), the highest concentration was found in LM, while CH had a slightly lower score than LM. PHF had the lowest scores for each of the analyzed parameters of protein fraction. For anserine, taurine, creatinine, and creatine content, the highest results were found for LM. For carnosine and coenzyme Q10, the highest values were found for CH. Overall, these results highlight the impact of maturity and breed on carcass composition and quality. Late-maturing breeds, such as LM and CH, tend to exhibit leaner carcasses with superior fatty acid profiles and antioxidant properties. This knowledge is valuable for producers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding breed selection and production strategies to meet specific market demands for beef with the desired composition and quality.

Efficacy of feeding hydroxy-selenomethionine on plasma and milk selenium in mid-lactation dairy cows

In this study, we aimed to determine the amount of Se transferred to milk and blood of mid- to late-lactation dairy cows when supplemental Se from hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) was fed compared with an unsupplemented group and a group supplemented with a seleno-yeast (SY). Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows (178 ± 43 d in milk) were used in a complete randomized block design for 91 d (7-d covariate period and 84-d treatment period). Treatments were (1) basal diet with an analyzed Se background of 0.2 mg of Se per kg as-fed (control); (2) basal diet + 0.3 mg of Se/kg as-fed from SY (SY-0.3); (3) basal diet + 0.1 mg of Se/kg as-fed from OH-SeMet (OH-SeMet-0.1); and (4) basal diet + 0.3 mg of Se/kg as-fed from OH-SeMet (OH-SeMet-0.3). During the trial, plasma and milk were analyzed for total Se, and plasma was analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity. The mean plasma and milk Se concentrations exhibited the same relationship, where OH-SeMet-0.3 resulted in the highest values (142 µg/L of plasma and 104 µg/kg of milk), followed by SY-0.3 (134 µg/L and 85 µg/kg), OH-SeMet-0.1 (122 µg/L and 67 µg/kg), and the control group had the lowest values (120 µg/L and 50 µg/kg). The increment of Se in milk induced by OH-SeMet-0.3 (+54 µg/kg) was 54% higher than that induced by SY-0.3 (+35 µg/kg). Additionally, dietary supplementation of 0.2 mg/kg Se from OH-SeMet in the total mixed ration was estimated to be similar to 0.3 mg/kg Se from SY in the total mixed ration when considering the level of Se in the milk. There was no difference in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity between groups; however, OH-SeMet-0.3 significantly decreased somatic cell count. The results confirmed that supplementation with organic Se increases milk and plasma Se concentrations. Moreover, when administered at the same level of supplementation, OH-SeMet was shown to be more efficient than SY in improving milk quality by increasing Se content and decreasing milk somatic cell count.

Protective effect of phytogenic plus short and medium-chain fatty acids-based additives in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenged piglets

Post Weaning Diarrhea (PWD) is the most important multifactorial gastroenteric disease of the weaning in pig livestock. Phytogenic (PHY) natural extracts are largely studied as alternatives to antibiotic treatments in combating the global concern of the antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of innovative phytogenic premix with or without short and medium chain fatty acids (SCFA and MCFA) in O138 Escherichia coli challenged piglets. Twenty-seven weaned piglets were allotted into four groups fed different diets according to the following dietary treatments: CTRL (n = 13) group fed basal diet, PHY1 (n = 7) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.2% of phytogenic premix, PHY2 (n = 7) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.2% of phytogenic premix added with 2000 ppm of SCFA and MCFA. After 6 days of experimental diet feeding, animals were challenged (day 0) with 2 × 10⁹ CFU of E. coli and CTRL group was divided at day 0 into positive (challenged CTRL + ; n = 6) and negative control group (unchallenged CTRL-; n = 7). Body weights were recorded at -14, -6, 0, 4 and 7 days and the feed intake was recorded daily. E. coli shedding was monitored for 4 days post-challenge by plate counting. Fecal consistency was registered daily by a four-point scale (0-3; diarrhea > 1) during the post-challenge period. Tissue samples were obtained for gene expression and histological evaluations at day 7 from four animals per group. Lower average feed intake was observed in CTRL + compared to PHY2 and CTRL during the post-challenge period. Infected groups showed higher E. coli shedding compared to CTRL- during the 4 days post-challenge (p < 0.01). PHY2 showed lower frequency of diarrhea compared to PHY1 and CTRL + from 5 to 7 days post-challenge. No significant alterations among groups were observed in histopathological evaluation. Duodenum expression of occludin tended to be lower in challenged groups compared to CTRL- at 7 days post-challenge (p = 0.066). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of PHY plus SCFA and MCFA revealed encouraging results for diarrhea prevention and growth performance in weaned piglets.

Effects of organic and inorganic selenium on selenium bioavailability, growth performance, antioxidant status and meat quality of a local beef cattle in China

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient with multiple health benefits to humans and animals. Cattle generally require dietary Se supplementation to meet their daily requirements. The two main forms of dietary Se in cattle are organic Se and inorganic Se. Data comparing the health and productivity effects of organic Se and inorganic Se on cattle are still insufficient, and it is necessary to conduct more research to evaluate the bioavailability, nutritional value, deposition, and body functions of Se sources in different breeds and physiological stages of cattle raised in areas with different Se levels. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of organic and inorganic sources of Se on plasma biochemical indices, Se bioavailability, deposition in body tissues and organs, growth performance, antioxidant capacity and meat quality of beef cattle raised in Se-deficient areas. Fifteen Chinese Xiangzhong Black beef cattle with an average weight of 254.5 ± 8.85 kg were assigned to three dietary groups. The three groups were fed the same basal ration and supplemented with either an inorganic [sodium selenite (SS)] or organic [selenomethionine (SM) or Se-enriched yeast (SY)] source of Se (0.1 mg/kg dry matter) for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, three cattle from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered, and samples were collected from tissues and organs for analysis. The results revealed that growth performance, slaughter performance, Se content of tissues and organs, meat quality characteristics including chemical composition, pH_45min, pH_24h, drip loss, and cooking losses did not differ (p > 0.05) due to supplementation of the different organic and inorganic sources of Se. SM and SY were more effective in increasing (p < 0.05) immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations in the blood and reducing (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the longissimus dorsi than SS. In conclusion, organic Se is more effective than inorganic Se in improving the immune and antioxidant capacity of Chinese Xiangzhong Black beef cattle.

Effect of Supranutritional Dosage Selenium in Neonatal Goat Kids on Productive Performance, Physicochemical Profiles in Meat, Selenium Levels in Tissues, and Histopathological Findings

Selenium (Se) is an essential element and antioxidant that catalyzes the destruction of hydrogen peroxide formed during cellular oxidative metabolism. Doses of Se as selenomethionine (SeMe) by oral route are 0.1-0.3 mgSe/kg DM, while the dose by parenteral route with sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) is 0.1 mgSe/BW. The effects of supranutritional Se supplementation on normal kids have rarely been studied. The objective of the study was to evaluate both Se sources on growth performance, Se in tissues, histopathological findings, and meat characteristics. Forty-five kids of the Pastoreña breed with 25-day age were distributed (4.7 ± 1.13 kg) in three treatments: a) control group, C: consumption with goat milk (GM: containing 0.135 mgSe/g); b) NaSe: GM plus Na₂SeO₃ injectable, 0.25 mgSe/kg BW; c) SeMe: GM plus oral dosage, 0.3 mgSe as SeMe daily. Fifteen animals per treatment were slaughtered at 7, 14, and 21 days. Feed conversion improved (P < 0.05) with Se supplement (P < 0.05) at 7 and 14 days. SeMe had higher protein and fat meat content (P < 0.05). SeMe increased Se liver at 14 and 21 days. NaSe and SeMe had higher (P < 0.05) levels of Se kidney. SeMe-21d showed 42% mononuclear and periportal cell infiltration lesions. In conclusion, Se administered through milk in goat kids was insufficient to prevent nutritional muscular dystrophy. The supranutritional dose of 0.25 mg/kg as NaSe was sufficient to maintain the Se level in tissues. SeMe increased Se liver and kidney efficiently. Both Se sources improved the bioavailability of the mineral in kids.

New horizons for selenium in animal nutrition and functional foods

Selenium (Se), one of the indispensable nutrients for both human health and animal growth, participates in various physiological functions, such as antioxidant and immune responses and metabolism. The role of dietary Se, in its organic and inorganic forms, has been well documented in domestic animals. Furthermore, many feeding strategies for different animals have been developed to increase the Se concentration in animal products to address Se deficiency and even as a potential nutritional strategy to treat free radical-associated diseases. Nevertheless, studies on investigating the optimum addition of Se in feed, the long-term consequences of Se usage in food for animal nutrition, the mechanism of metallic Se nanoparticle (SeNP) transformation in vivo, and the nutritional effects of SeNPs on feed workers and the environment are urgently needed. Starting from the absorption and metabolism mechanism of Se, this review discusses the antioxidant role of Se in detail. Based on this characteristic, we further investigated the application of Se in animal health and described some unresolved issues and unanswered questions warranting further investigation. This review is expected to provide a theoretical reference for improving the quality of food animal meat as well as for the development of Se-based biological nutrition enhancement technology.

Hydroxy-Selenomethionine, an Organic Selenium Source, Increases Selenoprotein Expression and Positively Modulates the Inflammatory Response of LPS-Stimulated Macrophages

The role of 2-hydroxy-(4-methylseleno)butanoic acid (OH-SeMet), a form of organic selenium (Se), in selenoprotein synthesis and inflammatory response of THP1-derived macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been investigated. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, GPX1 gene expression, selenoprotein P (SELENOP) protein and gene expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were studied in Se-deprived conditions (6 and 24 h). Then, macrophages were supplemented with OH-SeMet for 72 h and GPX1 and SELENOP gene expression were determined. The protective effect of OH-SeMet against oxidative stress was studied in H₂O₂-stimulated macrophages, as well as the effect on GPX1 gene expression, oxidative stress, cytokine production (TNFα, IL-1β and IL-10), and phagocytic and killing capacities after LPS stimulation. Se deprivation induced a reduction in GPX activity, GPX1 gene expression, and SELENOP protein and gene expression at 24 h. OH-SeMet upregulated GPX1 and SELENOP gene expression and decreased ROS production after H₂O₂ treatment. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, OH-SeMet upregulated GPX1 gene expression, enhanced phagocytic and killing capacities, and reduced ROS and cytokine production. Therefore, OH-SeMet supplementation supports selenoprotein expression and controls oxidative burst and cytokine production while enhancing phagocytic and killing capacities, modulating the inflammatory response, and avoiding the potentially toxic insult produced by highly activated macrophages.

Antioxidants in Animal Nutrition

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and their neutralization by the antioxidants' defenses [...].

Supplementation of Live Yeast, Mannan Oligosaccharide, and Organic Selenium during the Adaptation Phase of Newly Arrived Beef Cattle: Effects on Health Status, Immune Functionality, and Growth Performance

The effect of a nutraceutical mixture, based on live yeast (LY), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and organic selenium (Se) on health status, as well as immune functionality and growth performance in the fattening of newly received beef cattle, was evaluated. A total of 1036 Charolaise heifers were allocated into two experimental groups: (i) control group, without any nutraceutical support (n = 487; initial weight = 325 ± 21 kg); and (ii) treatment group, supplementation during the first 30 days, with LY (5 g/head/day), organic Se (3 mg/head/day), and MOS (10 g/head/day) (n = 549; initial weight = 323 ± 23 kg). The incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and other health issues was monitored, as well as the mortality rate. Blood samples were taken at d₀ and d₃₀ to evaluate the immune functionality and the inflammatory status. Growth performances, feces chemical composition, and carcass characteristics were recorded. The BRD occurrence tended to be reduced (p = 0.06) in the Treatment group. The BHV-1 antibody production after vaccination was significantly improved (p = 0.031), as well as the bactericidal activity (p = 0.0012) in the Treatment group. No differences were found in the inflammatory status parameters. The final weight (p = 0.006) and the average daily gain at d₃₀ (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved by the treatment. No differences were found in terms of carcass characteristics, while the fecal content of NDF (p < 0.0001), ADF (p = 0.0003), and starch (p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced by the treatment. The result of the present study suggests that the nutraceutical mixture used can support the animal's immune systems, improving its ability to react against pathogens, as well as feed efficiency and growth performances during the whole fattening period.

Current Knowledge on River Buffalo Meat: A Critical Analysis

Simple Summary

Buffaloes are reared for different purposes, primarily for milk and dairy products. Meat is often a secondary product and mainly derives from old animals at the end of their productive or working life. However, in recent years buffalo meat has gained increased popularity due to its nutritional properties. Therefore, a huge economic potential might arise from the development of the meat sector in buffalo breeding. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in the knowledge on river buffalo meat, with a special focus on quality traits, and offers insights for future research aimed at improving the meat sector in this species.

Abstract

The estimated world population of water buffalo counts around 204 million head, mostly reared for milk production. However, buffaloes also largely contribute to the meat sector, with around 4.3 million tonnes produced in 2019, mainly derived from old animals at the end of their productive or working life and only to a small extent from young animals. Therefore, buffalo meat production has been generally considered unsatisfactory for both quantity and quality. In fact, the dressing percentage is generally lower than 50% and the meat is considered of poor quality mainly due to its dark colour and reduced tenderness. However, in recent years, the healthy properties highlighted by some studies have led to a renewed interest in buffalo meat, with a parallel increase in research. Therefore, this review aims at providing an updated picture on carcass and meat quality traits in river buffalo, with special attention to the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to their variability. The research done so far has demonstrated that river buffaloes can efficiently contribute to the quanti-qualitative production of meat, provided that the meat supply chain is specifically organised for this purpose. The analysis of the available data also showed that further research is needed on the factors affecting meat production in order to gain greater knowledge essential for planning more targeted interventions.