Studies on serum tocopherol, selenium levels and blood glutathione peroxidase activities in calves with white muscle disease

For the purpose of clarifying the cause of white muscle disease (WMD) in calves, tocopherol and selenium levels and blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were measured on 10 calves with WMD and nine of their dams. The main clinical symptoms of the 10 calves with WMD were motor disturbances including recumbency and stiffness. Serum enzyme activities (GOT, GPT, CPK, LDH) in calves with WMD increased markedly, and this increase was also observed in some of their dams. Serum tocopherol levels of calves with WMD were low, 70% of which showing deficient levels of less than 70 micrograms/100 ml. Serum selenium levels of all the calves were lower than 35 ppb, indicating a deficiency, and were accompanied by low blood GSH-Px activity. alpha-Tocopherol and selenium concentrations in organs were very low. Dams of calves with WMD showed low serum tocopherol levels, 22% of which indicating deficient levels below 150 micrograms/100 ml. Serum selenium levels in dams showed a marked decrease to under 20 ppb, and also low blood GSH-Px activity. Feedstuffs supplied in the farms to affected calves indicated very low alpha-tocopherol contents (below 3 mg/100g DM) and low selenium concentrations below 50 ppb in DM. It was concluded that WMD in calves was attributable to nutritional muscular dystrophy caused by deficiencies in tocopherol and selenium in feedstuffs supplied to their dams.     

Vitamin E and selenium concentrations in month-old beef calves.

Three groups of beef cow and calf pairs were studied to determine plasma vitamin E and blood selenium (Se) concentrations of calves at 1 month old. Group 1 was managed on irrigated pasture and calves received no Se/vitamin E injections at birth. Group 2 was managed on irrigated pasture, and the calves were injected with Se/vitamin E at birth. Group 3 was managed on dry foothill grasslands, and these cows were supplemented with 56.3 mg vitamin E and 3 mg Se daily, and the calves received a Se/vitamin E injection at birth. The plasma concentration of vitamin E in group 1 and 2 cows (9.5 +/- 1.24 and 8.43 +/- 1.0 microg/ml, respectively) was significantly higher than that of the group 3 cows (2.28 +/- 0.42 microg/ml; P < 0.05). The blood Se concentrations in group 3 cows (169 +/- 37 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those in group 1 and 2 cows (36.4 +/- 15.9 and 31.1 +/- 12.5 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). Calf Se was highly correlated to cow Se (r = 0.965), and calf vitamin E was moderately correlated to cow vitamin E (r = 0.605). Calf vitamin E concentrations were consistently lower than cow vitamin E concentrations, and many values would be considered deficient.     

Seasonal variation in selenium status of different classes of grazing goats in a semi-arid region of Pakistan

The selenium status of three different classes of goats ((i) female lactating, (ii) female non-lactating, and (iii) male goats) grazing semi-arid pasture in the southern part of the Punjab province, Pakistan and that of selenium concentration of soil and dietary sources, ingested by those animals were investigated during two different seasons of the year (winter and summer). Soil, forage, feed, water from the pasture and blood plasma, urine, faeces, and (if applicable) milk from these goats were collected fortnightly. The samples were analyzed for selenium concentrations. Soil selenium showed both seasonal and sampling periods effect on its concentration while forage selenium was affected only by the seasonal changes. No significant effect of seasons or fortnights on feed selenium level was observed. In fecal samples selenium concentration in lactating and non-lactating and plasma of male goats were affected by sampling periods. While fecal selenium in male goats showed significant effect on its concentration both seasonal and within fortnights. Severe deficient level of soil selenium during both seasons and marginal deficient level of forage selenium during summer were observed. Selenium concentrations in feed slightly exceeded the requirements of ruminants in feed during both seasons of the year. Plasma selenium concentrations in all goat classes were higher in winter than that in summer showing no seasonal or fortnight variation and its concentration was slightly lower in lactating goats as compared to other classes. On the bases of these results, it is concluded that overall selenium status of the goats based on plasma selenium concentration may be considered adequate mainly due to the mineral supplement provided all over the year, since soil and forage selenium concentrations were low to deficient.     

Retention of selenium in tissues of calves, lambs, and pigs after parenteral injection of a selenium-vitamin E preparation.

Four each healthy weaned calves, lambs, and pigs raised in Indiana without selenium supplementation were killed, and their tissues were fluorometrically analyzed to establish base line selenium concentrations. The following mean selenium content (in ppm, wet weight) was found in calves, lambs, and pigs, respectively: liver, 0.12, 0.16, and 0.19; renal cortex, 0.63, 0.89, and 0.70; muscle, 0.05, 0.05, and 0.06. Eight each additional healthy weaned calves, lambs, and pigs were injected with a commercial selenium-vitamin E preparation at dose levels of 0.0825, 0.055, or 0.06 mg of Se (as selenite) per kilogram of body weight, respectively. Selenium content of tissues was measured in animals killed at 1, 7, 14, and 23 days after injection. In calves, concentrations in liver and kidney rapidly increased to moderate values and then slowly decreased, with mean concentrations after 23 days still somewhat greater than base line values. Concentrations for injection site tissue also rapidly increased to moderate values, but had decreased to base line values by 23 days after injection. In lambs, selenium content of liver was moderately increased after injection, but had decreased to base line values after 14 days; kidney and injection site did not have increased selenium content after injection. In pigs, liver and kidney had moderate initial increases in concentration of selenium, but these were at base line values after 14 days, and increase did not occur at injection sites.     

The influence of dietary selenium as selenium yeast or sodium selenite on the concentration of selenium in the milk of Suckler cows and on the selenium status of their calves

The aim of this trial was to determine whether the selenium status of suckling calves could be improved by supplementing their dams' diet with organic Se instead of sodium selenite. A herd of 103 Hereford cows, which were on grass paddocks all year round, was divided into two groups. Both groups had free access to a mineral supplement that contained 30 mg of Se/kg; for one group the source of the Se was a Se yeast product, and for the other group the source was sodium selenite. The basal feed contained .02 mg of Se/kg DM. During the trial, the mean daily consumption of the mineral supplement was approximately 110 g/cow. The calving season started in the middle of March and ended in the middle of May. Blood samples were taken from 11 cows and their calves in the yeast group and from nine in the selenite group at the end of April and again at the beginning of June, and milk samples were taken at the same times. At both samplings, the concentration of Se in whole blood and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the erythrocytes of the cows and calves in the yeast group were higher than in the samples from the animals in the selenite group. The same pattern was seen for plasma, except for the cows at the first sampling. The mean concentrations of Se in whole blood from calves in the yeast and selenite groups were 130 and 84 microg/L, respectively, and plasma concentrations were 48 and 34 microg/ L, respectively. Mean Se concentration in the milk from the yeast group (17.3 microg/L) was higher than that in milk from the selenite group (12.7 microg/L). There were significant correlations (r = .59 to .68) between the concentrations of Se in the cow's milk or cow's whole blood compared with Se concentrations in the calves whole blood and plasma or with the erythrocyte GSH-Px activity of the calves. The Se status of the calves in the selenite group was considered to be marginal, but the status of the calves in the yeast group was considered to be adequate. Supplementation of the suckler cows' diet with organic Se in the form of Se yeast rather than sodium selenite improved the Se status of their calves when the Se was mixed into a mineral supplement containing 30 mg of Se/kg. In practice, such supplementation would probably eliminate the risk of nutritional muscular degeneration in suckling calves.     

Effect of intraruminally administered, selenium soluble-glass boluses on selenium status in cows and their calves

Intraruminal selenium soluble-glass boluses were administered by balling gun to 65 of 125 crossbred beef cows (Shorthorn X Charolais) during the last trimester of pregnancy. Elevated (P less than .01) whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations were observed monthly for the next 10 mo following initiation of treatment, reaching the maximum magnitude (263 vs 41) at the fourth month. Monthly milk samples showed elevated selenium concentrations (P less than .01, April through August; P less than .05 through September). Intraruminal, selenium soluble-glass bolus administration to gestating cows was highly effective in raising the selenium status of their progeny. Although the control calves were in low-selenium status, no acute cases of nutritional muscular dystrophy were observed during this experiment.     

Effects of marginal selenium deficiency and winter protein supplementation on growth, reproduction and selenium status of beef cattle

Seventy-two Hereford X Simmental cows, averaging 498 kg in body weight and 5.2 yr of age, were used in a 2-yr study to ascertain if selenium (Se)-vitamin E (E) injections and winter protein supplementation would affect growth, reproduction and health of beef cattle maintained year-round on feedstuffs marginally deficient in Se (.03 to .05 mg/kg). Cows received either no injection or a mixture of 30 mg Se (as sodium selenite) and 408 IU E injected subcutaneously beginning 3 to 4 mo prepartum and at 60-d intervals throughout the 2-yr period. Calves born to Se-E treated cows were injected with 5.5 mg Se and 75 IU E/100 kg body weight at 60-d intervals beginning at 1 mo of age. Calves were born between December 30 and February 20 and cows were bred between March 20 and May 20. Cattle grazed pasture (.05 mg Se/kg) that consisted of orchardgrass, bluegrass and white clover during the fall, spring and summer. During winter (December 15 to May 2), cattle were fed corn silage (.03 mg Se/kg) supplemented with either: no protein supplement (control), soybean meal or a urea-corn mixture. Cows and calves receiving Se-E had higher (P less than .01) whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and plasma Se concentrations than controls. Selenium-E injections reduced (P less than .05) calf death losses from 15.3% to 4.2% and slightly increased (P less than .10) adjusted calf weaning weights. Hemoglobin concentrations were higher (P less than .05) in Se-E-injected supplemented calves at 1 mo of age but not at 5 or 7 mo of age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Blood selenium concentrations of sheep and goats from selected areas of Kenya

A systematic mapping technique based on blood, forage and soil selenium levels was employed to locate areas of selenium deficiency, adequacy or excess in areas of Kenya where grazing of small ruminants predominates. A total of 1,478 blood samples from both sheep and goats, 180 forage samples and 90 soil samples were analysed for selenium levels. During the wet seasons 28% of the sheep and 15% of the goats had marginal to deficient blood selenium concentrations while during the dry season 20% of the sheep and 12% of the goats had marginal to deficient blood selenium concentrations. Forage samples had a range of 0.03 to 0.66 ppm selenium while soil samples had a range of 0.06 to 0.98 ppm selenium. Although many animals had blood selenium levels of less than 0.05 ppm, below which selenium deficiency signs might occur, none of the animals manifested these signs.     

Effects of pre- or postpartum selenium supplementation on selenium status in beef cows and their calves

The effect of Se supplementation before or after calving on Se status in deficient cows and their calves was studied using 72 beef cows in two experiments. In Exp. 1, cows calving in February or March 1997 were supplemented orally for 15 d in late pregnancy with 13.0, 32.5, or 45.5 mg of Se/d as sodium selenite. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured in red blood cells (RBC) or plasma of cows and calves at d 15 and between d 17 and 88 after calving. In Exp. 2, cows calving in January 1997 were supplemented orally with .0, 13.0, or 32.5 mg of Se/d for 15 d postpartum, and calves were injected with 1.38 mg of Se when 2 d old and at an average age of 49 d. The GSH-Px activities were measured in 30-d-old calves and in cows and calves between d 77 and 115 after calving. In both experiments, Se supplementation resulted in adequate Se status for the dams. The increase in RBC GSH-Px activity was faster with 45.5 mg of Se/d, and GSH-Px activities remained high for up to 98 d after the end of supplementation. The improvement in Se status in calves as a result of maternal supplementation was greater in Exp. 1 than in Exp. 2, suggesting that the placental transfer of Se is more efficient than milk transfer. Prepartum oral Se supplementation of deficient beef cows with 13.0 mg of Se/d for 15 d allowed adequate Se status of dams and calves, and 45.5 mg of Se/d resulted in a faster improvement of Se status. Parenteral administration of 1.38 mg of Se to newborn calves did not sustain normal Se status in calves issued from deficient cows.     

Gammaglobulin and selenium status in healthy neonatal dairy calves in Switzerland

Serum samples from 142 calves and their dams were analyzed for gammaglobulins (gammaG, calves) and selenium concentrations (Se, calves and dams). A questionnaire provided information about birth and colostrum management. The calves and their dams were distributed into two groups according the calves' gammaG concentration (< 10 and >= 10 g/L), Se concentrations were compared between groups. The correlation between gammaG and Se concentrations in the calves and their dams was analyzed. Risk factors for failure of passive transfer and Se deficiency were assessed based on the questionnaire. The gammaG concentration of 42.9 % of the calves was < 10 g/L (median: 10.9). Calves showed significantly higher gammaG values after optimized colostrum administration than calves with suboptimal colostrum administration (p < 0.004). The median Se concentration was 26.8 and 36.5 μg/L for the calves and dams, respectively. A high correlation was observed between the Se concentration of the dam and her calf (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). The calves' Se and gammaG concentrations were not significantly correlated. These results demonstrate that further efforts toward better information of farmers regarding colostrum management and Se supply are warranted.     

Selenised compressed salt blocks for selenium deficient sheep

Salt blocks containing 30 or 120 ppm selenium were tested as the sole supplement for sheep farmed in a selenium-deficient area of New Zealand (Te Anau). Both concentrations were unsatisfactory in preventing selenium deficiency. In five trials using 120 ppm Se salt, the highest percentages of sheep found to be deficient were 31% (lambs) and 32% (ewes). If sheep which were classed as marginally deficient were included these percentages became 63% (lambs) and 56% (ewes). Some instances of selenium-responsive unthriftiness in lambs were encountered, and in one trial there was the possibility of selenium-responsive infertility having contributed to the low lambing performance of the ewes. There was no evidence of white muscle disease. Selenium levels in the liver and kidney were well below the permitted maximum. Because selenised salt failed to eliminate selenium deficiency, its use as a sole supplement for sheep grazing selenium deficient pasture is not recommended.     

Influence of selenium administration to dry cows on selected biochemical and immune parameters of their offspring

The study was performed on 16 Holstein‐Friesian calves divided into two groups of eight animals each. The first group was composed of calves whose mothers did not receive selenium supplements (Se0). The second group consisted of calves whose mothers were administered intramuscular injections of a selenium and vitamin E supplement containing 0.5 of sodium selenite/ml and 50 mg of tocopherol acetate/ml in a single dose of 30 ml (Se30) ml, 10 days before the expected parturition date (10 ± 2 days). The calves were fed 2.5 L of the mother's colostrum administered by stomach tube 2 hr after birth and another 2 L 6 hr after birth. Blood from all calves was collected 7 times from external jugular vein (day 0–before colostrum administration and on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 14th and 21st days of life) for analyses of selenium, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lysozyme activity. Selenium concentration was significantly higher in calves whose mothers received selenium supplements than in the offspring of non‐supplemented cows until 72 hr after birth (p ≤ .05). Lysozyme and GGTP activity and IgG concentration were significantly higher in the S30 group during the entire experiment (p ≤ .05). Supplementation of selenium to the mothers did not influence the ceruloplasmin, lactoferrin and transferrin levels in calves. A single injection of a selenium supplement administered to cows during late pregnancy increases selenium levels in calves and enhances passive transfer from the mother to the offspring.     

母牛补饲维生素E和硒对新生犊牛生长和免疫的影响

本试验选择年龄、胎次、体况评分、顸产期相近的中国荷斯坦奶牛40头,随机分成2组,一组自由舔饲维生素E富硒舔砖,一组不补饲舔砖,研究维生素E(VE)和硒对新生犊牛生长和免疫的影响.试验期90 d,从预产前60 d到产后30 d.结果表明,试验组母牛血清中VE的含量在产后12 h显著高于对照组(P<0.05),血清中硒的含量在产前30 d和产后12 h高于对照组,差异极显著(P<0.01).试验组母牛分娩后12 h,血清中IgG、IgM的含量,初乳中IgM、IgG、IgA的含量都显著高于对照组(P<0.05).试验组犊牛出生后12 h,血清中VE和硒含量极显著高于对照组(P<0.01),IgG、IgA的含量高于对照组,差异显著(P<0.05).试验组犊牛初生体质量和体尺显著高于对照组(P<0.05),30日龄体质量和体尺高于对照组,差异极显著(P<0.01).试验组犊牛的发病率比对照组降低了50%.     

Studies on vitamin E and selenium deficiency in young pigs. III. Effect on kinetics of erythrocyte production and destruction.

The effect of vitamin E and/or selenium deficiency on the kinetics of erythrocyte production and destruction has been investigated in swine. The plasma iron turnover rate, 59Fe incorporation into newly formed red cells as well as the 51Cr apparent red cell half-life, were not found to be significantly affected by either vitamin E deficiency, selenium deficiency or deficiency of both, as compared to replete animals. The results of this study suggest that vitamin E is not a limiting factor for normal erythropoiesis in young growing pigs. Erythropoiesis appeared, however, to be slightly decreased in selenium deficient pigs and will need to be further investigated.     

Studies on vitamin E and selenium deficiency in young pigs. IV. Effect on coagulation system.

An evaluation of the coagulation system has been conducted in vitamin E and/or selenium deficient swine. The partial thromboplastin time, plasma fibrinogen concentration, platelet lipid peroxides, as well as the fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products were not found to be significantly affected by either vitamin E deficiency, selenium deficiency, or deficiency of both. With selenium deficiency, the prothrombin time was shortened (p less than 0.05). The platelet count and platelet turnover were greatly decreased by both vitamin E (p less than 0.001) and selenium deficiency (p less than 0.005). Further-more, the survival of platelets labelled with 75Se-selenomethionine and the per cent isotope incorporated into platelets were reduced (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.005) in association with vitamin E deficiency, but not with selenium deficiency. These results were interpreted as evidence of a platelet production defect and possibly a platelet function defect in vitamin E deficient animals. Selenium deficiency were also associated with decreased (p less than 0.05) survival of fibrinogen labelled with 75Se-selenomethionine and increased (p less than 0.05) turnover of fibrinogen. From these fibrinogen kinetic findings, it was considered that chronic low grade disseminated intravascular coagulation possibly occurs in selenium deficient animals, probably in relation to the development of hepatosis dietetica or widespread microvascular damage. However, other possibilities such as increased fibrinogenolysis in relation with hepatosis dietetica or an intrinsic fibrinogen defect due to selenium deficiency also need to be taken into consideration and have not been ruled out in the present study.     

Effects of copper, zinc and selenium status on performance and health in commercial dairy and beef herds: Retrospective study

A retrospective study using analysis of plasma copper and zinc, and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase from 2 080 dairy and beef cow herds was conducted to evaluate the relationship between trace-element status and production, reproduction and health in cows and their calves. Classification of the herd status as deficient, marginal, low-adequate or high-adequate was based on the lower tercile of individual values. Odds ratios for each disorder in herds were calculated by multivariable stepwise logistic regression. Inadequate copper status was not associated with adult disorders, but was an important risk factor for poor calf performance or health. Selenium deficient status was associated with most studied disorders in cows, and both deficient and marginal herd status were strongly associated with poor health of calves, particularly with increased risks of myopathy and infectious diseases. Zinc insufficiency was strongly associated with low milk production and impaired locomotion in dairy herds, and was also associated with diarrhoea and poor growth in calves. Because a low-adequate status increased the risk of many disorders in adults and calves, we propose to classify herds as deficient and marginal when the lower terciles of plasma zinc concentration are below 12 and between 12 and 14 mumol/l respectively.     

The effect of selenium deficiency in goats on lymphocyte production of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor

The effect of dietary selenium on caprine leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF) production was examined $\text{in vitro}$ using lymphocytes from goats fed a diet deficient in selenium. Selenium deficiency was determined by decreased plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). The ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes to produce LMIF induced by concanavalin A (Con A) was significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited when cells from selenium-deficient and selenium-adequate goats were compared. In contrast, no significant (P > 0.05) differences were found between lymphocytes from selenium-deficient and selenium-adequate goats for Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and blastogenesis induced by Con A. These data suggest that selenium deficiency may selectively impair LMIF production and hence the ability of lymphocytes to modulate neutrophil migration.     

Assessment of serum thyroid hormone concentrations in lambs with selenium deficiency myopathy

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones associated with selenium deficiency myopathy in lambs. ANIMALS: 35 lambs with selenium deficiency myopathy and 30 healthy lambs. PROCEDURES: Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture from lambs with selenium deficiency myopathy and healthy lambs. Activities of markers of selenium deficiency myopathy (erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and plasma creatine kinase [CK]) and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and total thyroxine (tT(4)) and total triiodothyronine (tT(3)) concentrations were assessed; values in affected lambs were compared with those in healthy lambs. Correlations of erythrocyte GSH-Px and plasma CK activities with serum concentrations of TSH, tT(4), and tT(3) were investigated, and the tT(3):tT(4) concentration ratio was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with findings in healthy lambs, erythrocyte GSH-Px activity, serum tT(3) concentration, and tT(3):tT(4) concentration ratio were significantly decreased and serum concentrations of tT(4) and TSH and the activity of plasma CK were significantly increased in affected lambs. Analysis revealed a significant negative correlation in the affected group between erythrocyte GSH-Px activity and each of the following: plasma CK activity (r = -0.443), serum TSH concentration (r = -0.599), serum tT(4) concentration (r = -0.577), and serum tT(3) concentration (r = -0.621). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that notable changes in circulating amounts of thyroid hormones develop in association with selenium deficiency in lambs. Such alterations in thyroid hormone metabolism may be involved in the high incidence of disorders, such as stillbirths and neonatal deaths, in selenium-deficient flocks.     

The effect of copper on the response of lambs to selenium supplementation when grazing a selenium deficient pasture

Two trials were undertaken with lambs grazing selenium deficient pasture to determine if copper would enhance liveweight and fleece-weight responses to selenium supplementation. In the first trial, lambs given selenium or selenium plus copper gained significantly more weight and had higher fleece-weights after 260 days than did control lambs or lambs given copper alone. Copper given alone or together with selenium had no significant effect on liveweight or fleece-weight when compared with control lambs and lambs that were given selenium alone respectively. This finding was confirmed in a second trial when growth and fleece-weights of selenium and selenium plus copper treated lambs were compared and no significant differences found. In both trials copper significantly raised liver copper levels. In selenium supplemented but not in selenium deficient sheep, copper significantly increased blood selenium levels.     

The effects of selenium, housing and management on the incidence of pneumonia in housed calves

The occurrence and incidence of pneumonia in housed calves were not related to the selenium status of the herd as measured by blood glutathione peroxidase activity nor were they affected by selenium treatment of calves during the neonatal period. Pneumonia was related more closely to herd size and building design.