Effects of high dietary sulphur on enzyme activities, selenium concentrations and body weights of cattle

This study was designed to assess the effects of a moderate increase in dietary sulphur (S) in cattle. Twelve animals were initially fed a basal concentrate (S = 0.2%) and then divided into two groups; one fed basal and the other high S (S = 0.75%) concentrates. Health, body weight gains, and activities of erythrocyte enzymes-glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), plasma- asparate aminotransferase (AST), and whole blood concentrations of selenium (Se) were monitored at various stages of the study. Marked increases in the activities of GSH-Px, SOD and G6PD from the pretrial values were observed upon initial feeding of basal concentrate diet. Sex related differences were not evident in enzyme activities and Se concentrations of the blood. A high linear correlation (r = 0.92) between averages of GSH-Px activity and Se concentration of blood was observed in both sexes. Increasing the amount of S in the concentrate diet (from 0.2 to 0.75%) did not produce any statistically significant change in enzyme activities and Se concentrations, body weight gains, and health of the cattle during the 85 days feeding period. The results indicate that a moderate increase in the dietary S would not impair Se and copper status or cause related disorders in cattle.