engleski

Methods of prevention selenium deficiency in small ruminants

Selenium is an essential trace element which is required for normal growth and health of animals. Deficiency of selenium in animal food can cause reproductive disorders, increased mortality, reduced resistance to disease and production. Due to deficient values of selenium in feed, animal meals is needed to enrich with some of the selenium supplements. The most common forms of organic selenium as supplements in commercial use are selenium yeast and selenmethionin, and from inorganic forms sodium selenate and sodium selenite. Prevention methods of selenium deficiency in small ruminants include: a free-choice selenium mineral supplement, selenium fertilization, injections of selenium, selenium as an oral drench, selenium in water, and selenium in ruminal pellets (boluses). For optimal growth and vitality of newborn lambs of great importance is transfer of selenium from mother through the placenta, colostrum and milk. The aim of this study was to review previous research to determine which of the following methods is better to prevent the deficient concentration of selenium in small ruminants. Subcutaneous injections of sodium selenate or solutions that are taken as oral drench are common means of prevention disorders related to selenium deficiency. However, these methods are short-term solution because after the withdrawal, concentration of selenium shortly falls to the initial value. Supplement of organic forms of selenium in the mothers diet, comparing them with inorganic forms influence on increasing concentration of selenium in most of the organs and tissues in their offspring. Soil fertilization with selenium increases the concentration of Se in plants, but not all plant species. Exposure of sheep to Se- fertilized pastures leads to an increase in its concentration in the blood. Applied methods of prevention selenium deficiency in small ruminants should be additionally explored and that gives us plenty of space for further research.

Deficiency ; method of prevention ; selenium ; small ruminants

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