Effects of maternal dietary selenium (Se-enriched yeast) on growth performance, antioxidant status and haemato-biochemical parameters of their male kids in Taihang Black Goats

To investigate the effects of maternal dietary selenium (Se-enriched yeast) on growth performance, antioxidant status and haemato-biochemical parameters of their male kids, selected pregnant Taihang Black Goats (n = 119) were randomly allotted to four treatment groups. They were fed the basal gestation and lactation diets supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 2.0 and 4.0 mg of Se/kg DM. Before weaning, the male kids were weighted at 30-d intervals and the growth performance was evaluated. Blood samples collected during the last month of the experiment were analyzed for antioxidant status, Se concentration and haemato-biochemical parameters. The results show that the kids in the Se0.5 and Se4.0 group had the highest (P < 0.05) birth weight and weaning weight, respectively. No significant difference was found in the birth weight between the control and the Se4.0 group. Dietary Se levels of dams did not affect (P > 0.05) the body weight from 60 days of age, weaning weight, ADG and feed efficiency of kids. ADFI was not influenced (P > 0.05) by maternal Se. The GSH-Px and SOD activities, T-AOC and Se concentration of the kids were significantly (P < 0.05) improved with the increasing Se level in the diet of dams. Maternal Se increased (P < 0.05) the RBC count, haemoglobin content and haematocrit value of kids. The decreased WBC count, lymphocytes and monocytes percentage were also found in the Se treatment groups. Serum AST, LDH, GGT and CK activities, as well as LDL and albumin content were not affected by maternal dietary Se. The highest ALT activity, total protein and HDL content were observed in Se4.0 group. The kids of mother fed Se had increased (P < 0.05) serum globulin, total cholesterol and glucose concentration. Dietary Se levels of dams had no effect (P > 0.05) on serum ALT, ALB, total cholesterol and protein concentration of their kids. These data indicate that appropriate maternal dietary Se can improve the birth weight and growth performance of their male kids by enhancing the antioxidant status and nutritional metabolism in Taihang black goats. It is suggested that Se-enriched yeast is a kind of relatively safe Se source for the pregnant animals, and can be supplemented to the gestation and/or lactation diets to promote growth performance of their offspring when various feeding methods and basic Se status of animals were considered.