Effect of selenium supplementation and source on the selenium status of horses

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Se supplementation and source on the Se status of horses. Eighteen 18-mo-old nonexercised horses were randomly assigned within sex to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) control (CTRL, no supplemental Se, 0.15 mg of Se/kg of total diet DM); 2) inorganic Se (INORG, CTRL + 0.45 mg of Se/kg of total diet DM from NaSeO3); or organic Se [ORG, CTRL + 0.45 mg of Se/kg of total diet DM from zinc-L-selenomethionine (Availa Se, Zinpro, Corp., Eden Prairie, MN)]. Horses were acclimated to the CTRL diet (7.1 kg of DM alfalfa hay and 1.2 kg of DM concentrate per horse daily) for 28 d. After the acclimation period, the appropriate treatment was top-dressed on the individually fed concentrate for 56 d. Jugular venous blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, and 56. Middle gluteal muscle biopsies were collected on d 0 and 56. Muscle and plasma were analyzed for Se concentrations. Glutathione peroxidase activity was measured in muscle (M GPx-1), plasma (P GPx-3), and red blood cells (RBC GPx-1). Data were analyzed as a repeated measures design. Mean plasma Se concentration on d 28 and 56 was greater (P < 0.05) for Se-supplemented horses compared with CTRL horses, and tended (P < 0.1) to be greater in ORG vs. INORG on d 28. Mean muscle Se concentration and P GPx-3 activities increased (P < 0.05) from d 0 to 56 but were not affected by treatment. Mean RBC GPx-1 activity tended to be greater (P < 0.1) in ORG than INORG or CTRL horses on d 28, and tended to be greater (P < 0.1) for INORG compared with ORG horses on d 56. Mean RBC GPx-1 activity of INORG and ORG horses was not different from that of CTRL on d 56. Mean M GPx-1 activity decreased (P < 0.01) from d 0 to 56. In conclusion, zinc-L-selenomethionine was more effective than NaSeO3 at increasing plasma Se concentration from d 0 to 28; however, both supplemental Se sources had a similar effect by d 56. No difference in Se status due to Se supplementation or source could be detected over a 56-d supplementation period by monitoring middle gluteal muscle Se, M GPx-1, or P GPx-3. Results for RBC GPx-1 also were inconclusive relative to the effect of Se supplementation and source.     

Effects of selenium source on measures of selenium status and immune function in horses

The effects of selenium (Se) supplementation and source on equine immune function have not been extensively studied. This study examined the effects of oral Se supplementation and Se source on aspects of innate and adaptive immunity in horses. Fifteen horses were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (5 horses/group): control, inorganic Se (sodium selenite), organic Se (Se yeast). Immune function tests performed included: lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogen concanavalin A, neutrophil phagocytosis, antibody production after rabies vaccination, relative cytokine gene expression in stimulated lymphocytes [interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-5, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)], and neutrophils (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TNFα). Plasma, red blood cell Se, and blood glutathione peroxidase activity were measured. Plasma and red blood cell Se were highest in horses in the organic Se group, compared with that of inorganic Se or control groups. Organic Se supplementation increased the relative lymphocyte expression of IL-5, compared with inorganic Se or no Se. Selenium supplementation increased relative neutrophil expression of IL-1 and IL-8. Other measures of immune function were unaffected. Dietary Se content and source appear to influence immune function in horses, including alterations in lymphocyte expression of IL-5, and neutrophil expression of IL-1 and IL-8.     

The selenium and vitamin E status of horses in Prince Edward Island

Serum selenium (Se), vitamin E, and resting thyroid hormone concentrations were measured in 201 horses in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Selenium concentrations were either marginal (0.0053 to 0.1200 ppm) or deficient (< 0.0053 ppm) in 79% of horses based on current reference ranges for Se in serum. Aged and young adult pleasure horses had a higher prevalence of inadequate Se concentrations compared to racehorses and broodmares (82% and 97% versus 45% and 72%, respectively). Overall, 13% of horses had inadequate (< 200 μg/dL) serum vitamin E concentrations; most of these were young pleasure horses. No horses were hypothyroid and, contrary to findings in other species, there was a positive relationship between serum thyroxine and Se concentrations (P < 0.05). We conclude that Se deficiency is widespread in PEI horse populations, especially in pleasure horses, and vitamin E deficiency is more common in young pleasure horses. Micronutrient supplementation practices employed by PEI horse owners appear inadequate to ensure sufficiency.     

The effect of injectable barium selenate on the selenium status of horses on pasture

AIM: To examine the effect of intramuscular barium selenate on the blood selenium concentration of horses with marginal selenium status. METHODS: Eighteen mares were assigned to one of six groups. The mares in groups 1-4 received barium selenate at 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 mg Se/kg, respectively, injected into the right pectoral muscle mass. The mares in group 5 received sodium selenate at 0.05 mg Se/kg orally at 8-week intervals. The mares in group 6 were left untreated. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days after the initial treatment for assay of whole blood and plasma selenium. Injection site reactions were recorded on each sampling date. RESULTS: Treatment with barium selenate at each dose rate significantly increased whole blood, plasma and blood cell selenium concentrations when compared to no treatment or oral treatment with sodium selenate, and maintained group mean whole blood selenium concentrations in the adequate range (>1600 nmol/l) until the end of the experimental period of 1 year. The severity of injection site reactions increased with dose rate but was considered acceptable alt the lower dose rates used. CONCLUSION: The injection of barium selenate placed aseptically at a deep intramuscular site was efficacious in correcting the selenium status of mares grazing pasture with a selenium content of 0.01-0.07 mg/kg DM. However, some swelling and fibrosis at the injection site was apparent at all dose rates used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is currently no long-acting selenium supplementation product licensed in New Zealand for use in horses. Barium selenate promises to provide a useful method for selenium supplementation for horses, with an effective duration of at least 1 year following a single injection.     

Effects of supplement type and selenium source on measures of growth and selenium status in yearling beef steers

Sugarcane molasses is a widely used animal feed by-product, but is concentrated in S (approximately 1%, DM basis) and has been shown to reduce the Cu status of cattle. Dietary S may also antagonize Se; therefore, two 90-d studies were conducted with forage-fed, yearling steers (12 pens; 2 steers/pen for each study) to investigate the impact of molasses supplementation on measures of Se status. In Exp. 1, steers were assigned isonitrogenous supplements with equivalent amounts of TDN from 2 sources (molasses or corn). Supplemental Se was provided (3.0 mg of Se/d; Na selenite) to both treatments. After 90 d of supplementation, steers provided corn diets had greater (P = 0.02) liver Se concentrations and tended (P = 0.07) to have greater ADG compared with steers supplemented with molasses. Irrespective of treatment (P >/= 0.54), plasma Se concentrations decreased (P < 0.001) and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity increased (P < 0.001) from d 0 to 90. In Exp. 2, sources of supplemental Se (2.5 mg/ d), fed within molasses supplements, were compared. Treatments included 1) Na selenite, 2) Se-yeast (Sel-Plex, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY), or 3) no Se (control). Cattle provided supplemental Se, irrespective of source, had greater (P 相似文献   

Effect of dietary sodium nitroprusside as a source of cyanide on the selenium status of chicks given diets of varying selenium concentration

1. The interaction between dietary cyanide, given in the form of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and selenium has been studied in two experiments with growing chicks from 14 to 38 d of age.

2. In experiment 1, dietary selenium at 10 mg Se/kg reduced growth, food intake and efficiency of utilisation, and increased relative liver size and selenium content. All of these effects were eliminated by the addition of 0–1 g SNP/kg except for liver selenium content, which progressively declined towards control values as SNP was increased to 0–4 g/kg in increments of 0.1 g/kg. At 0.3 g SNP/kg, cyanide toxicity, as judged by decreased growth, reached significance.

3. In experiment 2, similar effects were observed with selenium at 10 mg Se/kg and SNP at 0.3 g/kg, but selenium deficiency was not evident from growth indicators when selenium supplementation of the diet was omitted completely, nor did these indicators suggest that deficiency was induced by cyanide.

4. In both experiments, plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase activity reflected the dietary selenium content. There was an interaction with dietary SNP content. With selenium intake at a toxic level, SNP increased enzyme activity, further evidence of alleviation of selenium toxicity, but when selenium intake was low and normal, SNP decreased activity in liver, an indication that cyanide could induce deficiency.

5. A possible mechanism for alleviation of selenium toxicity is proposed.     

Effect of subcutaneous selenium injection and supplementary selenium source on blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase in feedlot heifers

This study measured the effect on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and selenium (Se) in whole blood and plasma associated with subcutaneous Se injections in beef heifers fed organic or inorganic Se. Heifers (n = 120) were randomly divided into 2 groups, 1 of which received subcutaneous Se injections. Both groups were given the same total mixed ration with 3 mg of organic or inorganic Se daily. Until week 2, heifers that had received Se injections showed higher concentrations of plasma Se and GSH-Px and whole blood Se (P < 0.001) than those having had no injections. Concentrations of plasma Se and GSH-Px were higher in the group receiving organic Se than the group receiving inorganic Se. Whole blood GSH-Px concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.001) throughout a 12-week period but were not affected by Se source. Combination of Se injections and supplementation could help maintain normal Se and GSH-Px blood status in beef heifers during the first few weeks in the feedlot.     

Effect of dietary selenium source, level, and pig hair color on various selenium indices

The first experiment evaluated the effects of feeding various levels of Se, two Se sources, and hair color on selenosis responses in growing-finishing pigs. The study conducted in two replicates was a 2 x 6 x 2 factorial arrangement in a split-plot design. Sodium selenite and Se-enriched yeast added at 0.3, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 ppm Se served as the main plot and pig hair color as the subplot. A total of 96 crossbred pigs were allotted and fed their treatment diets for a 12-wk period. White and dark (red or black) hair samples were collected from the dorsal-midline at the 4-, 8-, and 12-wk periods from one pig of each hair color from each treatment pen. Lower pig weights (P < 0.10) and daily gains (P < 0.05) occurred as dietary Se level increased when pigs were fed either Se source. Selenosis responses were somewhat more severe, when the inorganic Se source was fed. Alopecia and hoof separation were encountered after the 8-wk period when pigs were fed inorganic rather than organic Se. Plasma Se increased as dietary level increased (P < 0.01), when organic Se was provided (P < 0.01), and was higher (P < 0.05) when pigs were white-haired. A time x hair color x dietary Se level interaction (P < 0.05) occurred, in which hair Se concentration was higher in dark- than in white-colored pigs and increased as dietary Se level increased as the experiment progressed. The correlation coefficient between dietary Se level and hair Se concentration averaged 0.90 (P < 0.01). Cysteine was the amino acid in the highest concentration in hair, but this and other amino acids were not affected by Se level, Se source, or hair color. A second experiment was a 3 x 6 factorial arrangement in a split-plot design with three 9-mo-old gilts from each of the Yorkshire, Duroc, and Hampshire breeds to determine whether hair Se concentration differed by body location and breed. Hair samples were collected from the shoulder, back, rump, front-leg, belly, and hind-leg areas. Hair Se concentration was higher in red- and white-haired pigs and lower in black-haired gilts (P < 0.01). Higher hair Se concentrations (P < 0.05) occurred from the lower than from the upper body areas. Our results suggest that selenosis occurs at dietary levels > 5 ppm and that white-haired pigs exhibit alopecia sooner than dark-haired pigs. No difference in hair Se concentration occurred when diets were < 1 ppm Se, but as dietary Se level increased dark-haired pigs retained more Se in their hair than white-haired pigs.     

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.     

Protein requirements of mature working horses

Eighteen mature horses were used to study proteins requirements of working horses. Treatments included intense exercise, medium exercise and maintenance in a 3 X 3 factorial arrangement with three levels of calculated dietary crude protein (CP; 8.5, 7.0 and 5.5%). The horses were on the various exercise-protein treatments for 60 d, then fasted 4 d to evaluate their N status after the treatment period. Exercise had no significant effect on body weight over the feeding and fasting periods. No one exercise or protein treatment expressed the classical low plasma albumin or total protein concentrations of protein-deficient or malnourished animals. Plasma urea N (PUN) concentrations reflected the amount of protein in the diet, with the horses fed the high-protein treatment having the highest PUN concentration (P less than .05). Fasting brought about a significant rise in the urinary percentage of urea + NH3 N, with the highest protein treatment excreting the highest percentage (P less than .05). Because plasma protein concentrations were maintained and labile protein reserves were apparently not depleted, it appears that the lowest protein diet containing 1.9 g digestible protein/W.75 was adequate, regardless of work load.     

Blood culture status in mature horses with diarrhoea: A possible association with survival

Reasons for performing study: The incidence and implications of positive blood cultures in mature horses with diarrhoea is unknown. The diagnosis of bacteraemia may alter treatment and prognosis. Hypothesis: The proportion of horses with diarrhoea that are blood culture positive is higher than previously assumed and a positive blood culture has a negative impact on survival. Methods: Blood cultures were taken at admission and 24 h after admission from 31 mature horses with diarrhoea. Results: Nine (29%) horses were blood culture positive within 24 h of admission. Organisms isolated included Corynebacterium spp. (n = 6), Streptococcus spp. (n = 2), Pantoea agglomerans (n = 1), Gram‐negative rod (n = 1), Bacillus spp. (n = 1) and yeast (n = 1). Horses with positive blood cultures were significantly less likely to survive. Prior treatment with antimicrobial drugs had no significant effect on blood culture status. Horses with positive blood cultures had a significantly higher heart rate, packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma potassium concentration at admission, and a higher PCV and lower total plasma protein concentration 24 h after admission. Conclusions: Positive blood cultures occur more frequently than previously reported, and may have a negative impact on survival in horses with diarrhoea. Potential relevance: Results of blood cultures may be useful in formulating a prognosis for horses with diarrhoea. Further research is required to determine the effect of antimicrobial treatment on outcome.     

Blood selenium in naturally fed horses and the effect of selenium administration

Blood Se of adult horses was 26.1, 25.8, and 27.0 ng/ml (mean values at 3 farms), where the Se of food was about 20 ng/g dry substance. Experimental adult horses which received about 41 ng Se/g food showed 45.3 ng/ml blood.At low Se intake suckling foals show higher blood Se than mares, but with high Se intake, the opposite will occur. This is reflected in milk Se, which raises but slowly with rise of mare’s blood Se.Se in blood plasma and in blood corpuscles is on the same level. The effect of various dose levels of Se on blood Se was studied: From 1.5 to 6 mg Se/week, blood Se rose rather linearity; 18 and 30 rag Se/week gave but slightly more effect than 6 mg.     

Branchial remnant cysts of mature and juvenile horses

This clinical report describes 8 cases of branchial remnant cysts (BRC) in the horse. The horses presented with bimodal age distribution, with 5 cases in mature horses (age 8–21 years) and 3 in foals (age 1, 6 and 10 months). Mature cases presented for dysphagia or intermittent oesophageal obstruction (2/5), and retropharyngeal swelling (3/5), whereas respiratory stridor and visible mass were presenting complaints in the foals. Presence of a right‐sided (5/8) or dorsally located (2/8) palpable retropharyngeal mass of 3–35 cm diameter was noted clinically; one left‐sided mass was identified as an incidental finding at necropsy. Ultrasonography typically revealed a thick‐walled cyst containing hypoechoic fluid with dependent hyperechoic masses consistent with blood clots. Radiographs and upper airway endoscopy were also consistent with a retropharyngeal mass. Fluid cytology revealed chronic haemorrhage in 6/8 cases, and squamous epithelial cells in one case. Histopathology in all cases demonstrated an epithelium‐lined cyst with no smooth muscle or thyroid tissue. Two cases was subjected to euthanasia; one due to concurrent laryngeal anomalies and one due to financial constraints. The remaining 5 cases were treated via surgical excision. Post operatively, right laryngeal hemiplegia was observed in 4/5 cases. All previous reports of BRC in the horse have described juvenile individuals. Brachial remnant cyst should be considered a differential diagnosis for mature horses with masses of the throatlatch area and can be definitively diagnosed by the presence of squamous epithelium in aspirated fluid or by histopathology of the excised mass. Right recurrent laryngeal nerve damage is a common complication of surgery.     

Management of bladder rupture in mature horses

Rupture of the urinary bladder of adult horses is rare with both reports of surgical repair and conservative management in the literature. The case report by Gosling et al. in this issue describes the successful treatment of an iatrogenic bladder tear in an adult gelding. The aim of this commentary is to review the described treatment options.     

Effect of protein source on nitrogen balance and plasma amino acids in exercising horses

Plasma AA in horses fed either an all-hay or a hay and grain diet in a traditional format have not been investigated. Eight horses were divided into 2 groups: a hay group fed only grass hay or a hay and a grain group (HG) fed in a crossover design for two 5-wk periods. After the first period, horses were fasted overnight, followed by feeding with blood sampling every hour for 6 h. A 4-d total fecal and urine collection to evaluate N balance followed. A 10-d washout period separated the 5-wk feeding periods, during which horses switched diets. The second period was also followed by fasting, feeding, blood sampling, and a 4-d collection period. Horses consumed 840 g of CP in the hay group and 865 g of CP in the HG group. Horses in the hay group had a 2.4 ± 2.4 g/d N balance, which was not different from 0 (P = 0.34), whereas horses in the HG group had 5.4 ± 2.4 g/d N balance, which was different from 0 (P = 0.045). Fecal N excretion was greater for the hay group compared with the HG group (hay = 51.1 ± 1.3 g/d and HG = 45.5 ± 1.3 g/d; P = 0.011), and urine N excretion was greater for the HG group compared with the hay group (hay = 79.3 ± 2.8 g/d and HG = 89.2 ± 2.8 g/d; P = 0.026). Plasma AA concentrations were greater in the HG group compared with the hay group for Met (P = 0.001), Lys (P = 0.001), Ile (P = 0.047), Arg (P < 0.001), Gln (P = 0.009), and Orn (P = 0.002). Plasma concentrations were less for the HG group compared with the hay group for Thr (P < 0.001) and Ala (P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of urea were greater for the HG group compared with the hay group (P < 0.001), whereas 3-methyl-histidine concentrations were greater for the hay group compared with the HG group (P < 0.001). The effect of diet on the excretion of N via feces vs. urine in the hay and HG groups is typical. The early increases in the plasma concentrations of Met, Val, Ile, Leu, Phe, Lys, Arg, and Ala during the postfeeding phase are most likely due to increased foregut digestibility as well as a greater quality AA profile in the grain. The greater concentrations of Thr, Leu, and Val later in the postfeeding phase for the hay group most likely reflects slower digestion because of prolonged consumption time compared with the HG group. Improved N balance observed in the HG group supports the fact that the HG group had more available AA via the AA profile and foregut digestibility of the HG diet. Despite the fact that both groups consumed similar amounts of CP, the AA profile and availability affected N balance.     

不同硒源与硒水平对肉鸡生长性能、胴体特性的影响

为了研究不同硒源和硒水平对良凤花肉鸡生长性能、胴体特性的影响。试验选用良凤花公母混合雏鸡340只,随机分为5组,1组为对照组,饲以基础日粮,其它4组分别喂以添加了0.15、0.30mg/kg无机硒(来源于亚硒酸钠)和添加了0.15、0.30mg/kg有机硒(来源于蛋氨酸硒)的基础日粮。结果表明,日粮添加硒对良凤花肉鸡的日增重、饲料转化效率和屠宰特性无显著影响(P>0.05)。两种硒源添加剂的日粮饲喂的肉鸡其生产性能也无显著差异(P>0.05)。     

不同硒源村黄羽肉鸡肉品质的影响

试验选用黄羽肉鸡(岭南黄)270只,预饲一周后淘汰弱雏,选用体况相近的雏鸡,随机分9组,进行饲养试验,试验末期70日龄进行屠宰试验,研究亚硒酸钠和硒代蛋氨酸对黄羽肉鸡屠宰品质的影响.结果表明,在等量添加基础上,硒代蛋氨酸比亚硒酸钠更有利于提高黄羽肉鸡肉品质,但是,对于肌纤维直径,两种硒源在各添加组间并无显著差异.