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Organic Selenium Increased Gilts Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Function, and Changed Intestinal Microbiota
Zimei Li1, Yanpeng Dong1, Sirun Chen1
1Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|September 6, 2021
Summary
2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA) supplementation enhanced gilt antioxidant performance and immune function. HMSeBA also modulated intestinal microbiota, showing potential for pig production.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Selenium is an essential micronutrient vital for biological functions through selenoproteins.
- Understanding the impact of different selenium sources on animal health is crucial for optimizing production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA) on antioxidant status, immune response, and gut microbiota in gilts.
- To compare HMSeBA with sodium selenite as a selenium source.
Main Methods:
- 36 gilts were divided into three groups: control, sodium selenite, and HMSeBA.
- Diets were supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg.
- Measurements included tissue selenium content, selenoprotein P (SelP1) concentration, antioxidant enzyme activity, gene expression (antioxidant and immune-related), serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels, and intestinal microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- HMSeBA improved tissue selenium content and SelP1 concentration.
- Increased antioxidant enzyme activity and a trend towards decreased malondialdehyde were observed.
- HMSeBA modulated the expression of antioxidant and immune-related genes (e.g., GPX, SelX, IL-10, TGF-β).
- Serum cytokine (IL-2, IL-6) and immunoglobulin (IgG, sIgA) levels were favorably altered.
- Intestinal microbiota composition was modified, with increased Ruminococcaceae and Phascolarctobacterium and decreased Parabacteroides and Prevotellaceae.
Conclusions:
- HMSeBA supplementation positively impacts antioxidant performance, immune function, and intestinal microbiota in gilts.
- HMSeBA demonstrates potential as an effective selenium source for gilt and pig production.
