Effects of organic selenium (Se-enriched yeast) supplementation in gestation diet on antioxidant status, hormone profile and haemato-biochemical parameters in Taihang Black Goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of selenium (Se-enriched yeast) supplementation in gestation diet on blood antioxidant status, hormone profile and haemato-biochemical parameters in goats. Selected pregnant Taihang Black Goats (n = 119) were randomly allotted to four treatment groups. They were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 2.0 and 4.0 mg Se/kg DM during gestation period. Blood samples were collected on the 140th day of gestation to evaluate blood antioxidant status, hormone levels and haemato-biochemical parameters. The results showed that dietary Se improved (P < 0.05) the activity of GSH-Px and SOD, T-AOC of does. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in the MDA content, GSH-Px and SOD activities between the Se0.5 and Se2.0 group. Dietary Se did not affect the FSH and LH level, but increased (P < 0.05) the estradiol, progesterone and T4 level of does. RBC count, haematocrit value and haemoglobin concentration were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the Se supplemented in diet. The does in the Se4.0 group had the highest blood WBC, lymphocytes and monocytes counts. Dietary Se did not affect the ALT and CK activity, as well as the HDL and albumin concentration, but improved (P < 0.05) the AST, LDH, glucose, total cholesterol and protein in serum of does. These data suggest that Se-enriched yeast is a kind of safe Se source for the pregnant animals. Se supplementation in gestation diet can not only improve the antioxidant status and stimulate the estradiol, progesterone and T4 production of does, but also enhance the metabolism of major nutrients in goats.