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Histopathological and biochemical changes associated with selenium and vitamin E deficiency in chicks
S Hassan1, J Hakkarainen, L Jönsson
1Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala.
Zentralblatt Fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe A
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Adequate selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) are essential for preventing exudative diathesis (ED) in chicks. Even with nutrient reserves at hatching, post-hatch dietary supplementation is crucial for preventing Se-VE deficiency signs.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Avian Physiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) are critical antioxidants and enzyme cofactors in poultry.
- Maternal transfer of Se and VE influences progeny's nutritional status and disease resistance.
- Exudative diathesis (ED) is a characteristic sign of Se-VE deficiency in chicks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maternal Se and VE status on chick development and susceptibility to deficiency.
- To determine the dietary requirements of Se and VE for preventing ED in young chicks.
- To characterize the pathological changes associated with Se-VE deficiency.
Main Methods:
- White Leghorn chicks from dams with adequate or depleted Se and VE levels were used.
- Chicks were fed a low Se-VE semi-synthetic diet supplemented with graded levels of VE (0-15 mg/kg) for six weeks.
- Tissue Se, VE, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were measured; clinical signs and histopathology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Maternal Se and VE efficiently transferred to chicks, increasing tissue levels at hatching.
- Chicks from depleted dams exhibited ED at hatching, while control chicks showed signs at 2 weeks.
- 15 mg/kg VE supplementation was insufficient to fully prevent ED; deficiency was linked to low Se, VE, and Se-GSH-Px, with increased non-Se-GSH-Px.
- Lesions were observed in subcutaneous tissue and skeletal muscle, including edema, vascular damage, and muscle degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Adequate Se and VE transfer from hens to chicks is vital but not sufficient to prevent deficiency post-hatch.
- Post-hatch dietary supplementation with both Se and VE is essential for preventing exudative diathesis, regardless of initial tissue reserves.
- Understanding Se-VE interactions and requirements is critical for optimal poultry health and preventing deficiency diseases.