The Efficacy of a Long-Acting Injectable Selenium Preparation Administered to Pregnant Ewes and Lambs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long-acting selenium (Se) preparation administered to sheep. The experiment was conducted on 30 dams and 36 lambs divided into three equal groups of 10 dams and 12 lambs each: Control—C, and two experimental groups—E (Se administered to pregnant ewes) and EI (Se administered directly to lambs after the colostral period). The Se preparation (Barium Selenate Injection, BVP Animal Care, 50 mg/mL) was administered by injection at 1 mL/50 kg (1 mg Se/kg) body weight (BW) to group E ewes in the third month of pregnancy (between 70 and 90 days) and to group EI lambs between 4 and 7 days of age. The following parameters were determined: Se concentration in the blood of ewes, milk yield, milk composition, Se concentration in milk; hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters and Se concentration in the blood of lambs; growth rate and in vivo measurements of lean meat and fat content in lambs. Barium selenate significantly improved the Se status of dams and lambs, regardless of whether it was administered to pregnant ewes or directly to lambs in the first week of their life. The milk of ewes receiving the Se preparation was characterized by higher concentrations of fat and dry matter. The Se preparation induced significant changes in immunological parameters, thus enhancing defense mechanisms in lambs. The Se preparation exerted more stimulatory effects on humoral and cellular immune responses when administered directly to lambs after the colostral period (group EI) than to pregnant ewes (group E). The results of this study indicate that the long-acting Se preparation delivers benefits to sheep by boosting their immunity and, therefore, improving performance.

Effect of Long-Acting Selenium Preparation on Health and Productivity of Sheep

“…Much lower results were obtained by Pilarczyk et al [ 41 ] and Karimi-Poor et al [ 42 ], 13 µg/L and 28 µg/L, respectively. The current study revealed an improvement in the Se status of ewes administered barium selenate in the 3rd month of pregnancy, which is consistent with the results obtained by Milewski et al [ 30 ] in a study of Pomeranian sheep.…”

“…Experimental group lambs were characterized by a faster growth rate and better muscle development. The same effects were noted in an earlier study by Milewski et al [ 30 ]. Moreover, similar results were obtained by Muñoz et al [ 38 ] who found that an injection of barium selenate administered to ewes enhanced the growth rate of their lambs.…”

“…Serum Se levels of 25–50 μg/L are considered insufficient, while the optimal value falls between 120 and 150 μg/L [ 39 ]. Low concentrations of this microelement were also noted in sheep by Humann-Ziehank et al [ 40 ] and Milewski et al [ 30 ], who reported an average serum Se level of 45.4 and 48.70 µg/L, respectively. Much lower results were obtained by Pilarczyk et al [ 41 ] and Karimi-Poor et al [ 42 ], 13 µg/L and 28 µg/L, respectively.…”

“…Similar results were obtained by Soliman et al [ 29 ] who reported a comparable glucose level in all studied groups. The results of a study of Pomeranian revealed that barium selenate increased the blood concentrations of protein and triglycerides [ 30 ]. In turn, Abdel-Raheem et al [ 31 ] found that sheep supplemented with Se and vitamin E had higher blood levels of glucose, total protein, and total cholesterol.…”

“…These results clearly point to an increase in the immune system’s readiness in sheep supplemented with the Se preparation. In a study of Pomeranian sheep, Milewski et al [ 30 ] also noted the enhancement of the immune response after a single injection of barium selenate to pregnant ewes. The results obtained by Hamam and Abou-Zeina [ 43 ] suggest that the parenteral supplementation with both Se and vitamin E can significantly increase the blood concentrations of natural antioxidants in sheep.…”