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[The optimal selenium supplementation in reproducing sows]
Zentralblatt Fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe A
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Optimal selenium levels for sows are crucial for reproductive success. Supplementing 0.5 mg/kg of diet improved glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and enhanced piglet growth and litter weight, reducing stillbirths.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Reproductive Physiology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Investigated the impact of varying dietary selenium levels on sows of German Landrace.
- Monitored glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in plasma throughout the reproductive cycle.
- Assessed reproductive performance metrics including piglet gain and stillbirth rates.
Purpose:
- To determine the optimal dietary selenium requirement for sows during gestation, lactation, and weaning.
- To correlate plasma GSH-Px activity with dietary selenium levels and reproductive outcomes.
- To evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on sow reproductive efficiency.
Summary:
- Plasma GSH-Px activity in sows decreased during lactation and increased post-weaning, with highest activity observed at 0.5 mg selenium/kg diet.
- Increased dietary selenium linearly elevated plasma selenium content and significantly improved piglet gain and litter weight at weaning.
- A dietary selenium level of 0.5 mg/kg minimized the percentage of stillborn piglets, indicating a critical requirement for sow reproduction.
Impact:
- Establishes a dietary selenium requirement of 0.5 mg/kg for sows to optimize reproductive performance.
- Provides biochemical markers (GSH-Px activity and plasma selenium) for assessing selenium status in sows.
- Demonstrates the significant economic benefits of adequate selenium supplementation for swine production.