Interaction of Antioxidant Trace Minerals Affecting Blood Picture Including Antioxidant Profile of Healthy Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves.

Copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) are antioxidants and essential trace elements that have mutual interaction and are reported to have beneficial effects at supranutritional levels. The experiment was executed to evaluate the individual impact of supranutritional levels of targeted elements with the effect of their interactions in buffalo calves. Twenty male Murrah buffalo calves of about 8-9 months (bodyweight 112.1 ± 7.69 kg) were distributed into four groups of five calves in each group and fed either a control (C) diet or supplemented with supranutritional levels of Cu (T1), Se (T2), or combination of both (T3) for 120 days. Higher (P = 0.015) values of packed cell volume were observed in group T2 at day 120; otherwise, all other hematological parameters remained comparable among groups. Over the period (day 120 vs. day 0), an enhancement in the percentage of lymphocytes (P = 0.006) with a reduction in neutrophils (P = 0.028) and hemoglobin (P = 0.024) values was observed in the control group. An enhancement in the percentage of monocytes (P = 0.031), with a reduced percentage of neutrophils (P = 0.022), was reported in groups T2 and T3, respectively. Interaction of Cu and Se at supranutritional level (T3) dramatically reduced plasma Cu (P = 0.008) level against the control values, with an improvement in Se markers (i.e., plasma Se, P = 0.041 and enzyme glutathione peroxidase, P = 0.057) over the values in calves fed supplemental Se alone (T2). Additionally, Cu (T1 and T3) was forced to decline (P < 0.05) Zn level in the plasma of buffalo calves. Cu (T1, P < 0.05) and Se (T2 and T3, P ≤ 0.01) supplementation was able to improve their respective plasma levels. The interaction of two trace elements at the supranutritional level further helped in reducing the lipid peroxidation (P = 0.01) values as well. Though antioxidant vitamins and cell-mediated immunity remained unaffected, humoral immunity against antigen P. multocida was high (P = 0.005) in the group T2. The conclusion may be drawn that supranutritional Cu and Se were capable to influence certain blood parameters with an additional interaction effect due to simultaneous supplementation in buffalo calves.

Response of anestrous heifers fed local grass or oak foliage-based diet with two different mineral mixtures.

The effect of incorporation of two different mineral mixtures and/or oak leaves was studied on nutrient utilization and reproductive performance in anestrous heifers. Twenty-one anestrous heifers (18.2 ± 1.45 months; 229 ± 14.2 kg body weight) were randomly distributed into three similar groups. Heifers in control (T1) and first treatment group (T2) were fed concentrate mixture incorporated with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specific mineral mixture and a customized mineral mixture developed specially for Kumaon hills (MMKH), respectively, along with local green grass (Pennisetum orientale). In the second treatment group (T3), concentrate mixture was the same as that of T2, while the source of roughage was local oak (Quercus leucotricophora) leaves containing 3.35% condensed tannin. A digestibility trial was conducted after 120 days of study. The feed intake was similar among the groups. Digestibility coefficient of crude protein (CP) was lower in T3 than T2 and comparable to T1. Feeding oak leaves improved absorption of calcium as compared to grass-fed animals. Bioavailability of copper and zinc was higher (P < 0.05) in oak leaves and MMKH fed group (T3) as compared to T1, but similar to T2. Conversely, absorption of iron had the reverse trend and was reflected in serum Fe concentration. Hematological, biochemical, enzyme and hormonal profiles were not influenced by any of the treatments. The relative occurrence of estrus cyclicity and conception rate was more in groups T2 and T3, respectively, than other groups. It was concluded that feeding oak foliage-based diet containing 1.87% tannin along with customized mineral mixture developed for Kumaon hills improved certain nutrient utilization and reproductive performance as compared to local green grass supplemented with BIS-specific mineral mixture or MMKH.

Selenium and copper interaction at supra-nutritional level affecting blood parameters including immune response against P. multocida antigen in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves.

Minerals play important role in the diet of an animal. Bio-availability of minerals largely gets affected by absolute as well as the relative amount of each mineral present in the diet of an animal. Copper and selenium are two such an essential elements affect utilization of each other in the gastrointestinal tract. The present study elucidates the utilization of copper and selenium at supra-nutritional levels (higher than nutritional requirements). Male Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves (n = 10, 8-9 months, 111.7 ± 12.55 kg body weight) were divided equally into two groups and fed either a standard (Control) diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.3 ppm selenium (Se) and 10 ppm copper (Cu) (Treatment). Supplementation was made using liquid solutions of two inorganic mineral sources after mixing in the concentrate mixture and study lasts for a period of 80 days. Blood samples were collected just before starting supplementation (designated as 0 day of study) and at day 40 and 80 after starting supplementation. Blood samples were subjected to haematological parameters, plasma minerals and various oxidative stress-related parameters were determined with the cell-mediated and humoral immune response against antigen P. multocida (P52 strain). Supra-nutritional Se with Cu had higher blood monocytes (P < 0.05) and plasma selenium (P < 0.01) levels, while other hematological parameters and plasma minerals (except zinc, which was lower (P = 0.025) at day 80 in the treatment group) remained unaffected. Among markers for oxidative stress in blood, levels of lipid peroxidation were lesser (P < 0.01), at day 80 and overall mean values of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase and catalase were higher (P < 0.05) in the supra-nutritional group against control values. The overall mean activity of other oxidative stress markers including reduced glutathione, ceruloplasmin as well as the concentration of α tocopherol, retinol, and ß carotene remained unaffected due to supra-nutritional Se and Cu. Although cell-mediated immune response remained comparable (P > 0.05) between groups, higher (P < 0.05) overall mean antibody titer values, as well as the values at day 80, was reported in supra-nutritional Se + Cu group. The study concluded that supra-nutritional Se with Cu in the ration of growing Murrah buffalo calves was helpful to reduce the oxidative stress and to enhance the humoral immune response. Simultaneously, higher plasma Se level and number of monocytes in blood highlighted the additional role of selenium and copper in a ration of growing buffalo calves as compared to its normal recommended dose.

Increasing the dietary supply of carotenoids through forage supplementation: Effect on nitrogen and mineral retention in captive Golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus).

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of green forages on feed consumption, nutrient and mineral utilization in Golden pheasants (GP). Twenty-seven female GP (BW 617-635 g) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine birds each in an experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD). Birds in group T1 were fed a conventional zoo diet containing 1.4% green forages; however, the diets of the birds in groups T2 and T3 contained 2.7% and 5.0% of green forages, respectively. Intake of total carotenoids increased with increased level of green forages in the diet. Apparent retention of N, Ca, and Zn was higher in GP laying hens fed diet containing 5.0% green forages as compared to those fed conventional diet containing 1.4% green forages. Results of the present study indicate that inclusion of 5% green forage in the diet of GP would improve the utilization of N, Ca, and Zn without any adverse effect on intake and utilization of other nutrients. Data related to nutrient intake, basal endogenous losses (BEL) and coefficient of retention (COR) of N, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn are novel and may be of use for future research. Zoo Biol. 35:522-532, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on arsenic induced alteration in blood biochemical profile, oxidant/antioxidant status, serum cortisol level and retention of arsenic and selenium in goats.

Arsenic (As) exerts oxidative stress with depletion of body selenium in monogastric animals. But in ruminants this fact is not yet verified. Vitamin E is an effective dietary antioxidant. Thus, in this experiment, the protective effect of vitamin E against arsenic toxicity induced by sodium arsenite (60mg As/kg diet) was investigated in goat kids. For this, 21 male kids were divided into three equal groups and fed either basal diet as such (control), or supplemented with 60mg As/kg diet and 60mg As/kg diet+250IU vitamin E/kg diet for 180 days. Vitamin E supplementation alleviated the toxic effects caused by arsenic on serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and lipid peroxidation. It also prevented the depletion of reduced glutathione content and reduction in activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-s-transferase in erythrocytes resulted from arsenic intoxication. The elevated levels of arsenic and reduced levels of selenium in the serum and tissues in arsenic treated animals were attenuated by vitamin E supplementation, though not completely. However, serum cortisol level was not affected by arsenic. It was concluded that arsenic exerts cortisol independent stressor mechanism and supplementation of vitamin E at a level of 250IU/kg diet was partially effective in reducing tissue accumulation of arsenic in the body and protect the kids from oxidative stress induced by arsenic.

Effect of selenium, zinc, and copper supplementation on blood metabolic profile in male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves.

Twenty male buffalo calves (15 months, 200.2 ± 9.75) were divided into four groups of five animals in each and fed diets without (T1) or supplemented with 0.3 ppm selenium (Se) + 40 ppm zinc (Zn) (T2), 0.3 ppm Se + 40 ppm Zn + 10 ppm copper (Cu) (T3), and 40 ppm Zn + 10 ppm Cu (T4) for 120 days, during which blood samples were collected on days 0, 40, 80, and 120. Concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine were similar in all the four groups. The level of different serum enzymes viz. lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and hormones viz. T(3), T(4), testosterone and insulin were similar (P > 0.05) among the four groups but the ratio of T(4)/T(3) was reduced (P < 0.05) in the groups (T2 and T3) where selenium was supplemented at 120th day of supplementation. It was deduced that supplementation of 0.3 ppm Se and/or 10.0 ppm of Cu with 40 ppm Zn had no effect on blood metabolic profile in buffalo calves, except the ratio of T(4) and T(3) hormone which indicates that selenium plays an important role in converting T(4) hormone to T(3) which is more active form of thyroid hormone.

Effect of organic selenium supplementation on growth, Se uptake, and nutrient utilization in guinea pigs.

Forty weaned male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) of 152.6 +/- 7.96 g mean body weight were divided into four equal groups and fed a common basal diet comprised of 25% ground cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hay, 30% ground maize (Zea mays) grain, 22% ground gram (Cicer arietinum) grain, 9.5% deoiled rice (Oryza sativa) bran, 6% soybean (Glycine max) meal, 6% fish meal, 1.5% mineral mixture (without Se), and ascorbic acid at 200 mg/kg to meet their nutrient requirements along with 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 ppm of organic selenium (Se) in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for a period of 10 weeks, during which, daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded. Intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract as well as uptake of calcium and phosphorus were similar (P > 0.05) among the four groups. Feed:gain ratio was also similar (P > 0.05) in the four groups. However, digestibility of crude protein was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in group II supplemented with 0.1 ppm organic Se as compared to other three group. Intake and absorption of Se was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in all the Se supplemented groups as compared to control group. Average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group II (3.16 g/day) and III (3.38 g/day) as compared to group I (2.88 g/day). However, ADG in group IV (supplemented 0.3 ppm organic Se) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower (2.83 g/day) than group II and III, but comparable (P > 0.05) to group I. Findings of the present experiment suggests that Se requirements of guinea pigs are > or =0.2 ppm, as supplementation of 0.1 ppm organic Se in the diet (having 0.1 ppm Se) not only enhanced their growth rate but also improved the protein utilization.

Effect of different levels of selenium supplementation on growth rate, nutrient utilization, blood metabolic profile, and immune response in lambs.

Eighteen male lambs (8-9 months of age, 25.00 +/- 0.90 kg body weight) were divided into three groups of six animals in each and fed a total mixed ration (TMR) containing concentrate mixture (30% maize grain, 27% soybean meal, 40% wheat bran, 2% mineral mixture, and 1% common salt) and wheat straw in 65:35 ratio and supplemented with selenium (Se) as sodium selenite at 0 (T1, control), 0.15 (T2), and 0.30 ppm (T3) levels. Experimental feeding was done for a period of 90 days including a 6-day metabolism trial. To assess the growth performance, lambs were weighed every 15 days throughout the experimental period. All the lambs were intramuscularly inoculated with a single dose (2 ml) of haemorrhagic septicaemia oil adjuvant vaccine on 0 day to evaluate the humoral immune response. Blood samples were collected on 0 day and thereafter at 30 days interval. Results revealed that supplementation of Se both at 0.15 and 0.30 ppm levels had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose; balances of calcium and phosphorus; and level and intake of digestible CP and total digestible nutrients. Se supplementation also had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the levels of serum total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, tri-iodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)), and T(4)/T(3) ratio; and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase enzyme activity in the lambs. However, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the plasma Se levels, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity, and humoral immune response in both the Se-supplemented groups. Feed (TMR) required per kilogram gain was less by 11.1% and 16.5% in groups T2 and T3, respectively, as compared to control (T1) group. Average daily gain was highest (108.5 g) in group T3, followed by group T2 (98.2 g), and lowest (89.06 g) in the control group (T1). These results indicated that supplementation of 0.15 and 0.3 ppm Se in the diet (having 0.19 ppm Se) of lambs significantly improves their immune response and antioxidant status.

Effect of selenium and copper supplementation on blood metabolic profile in male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves.

Twenty male buffalo calves (8-9 months, 112.1 +/- 7.69 kg) were divided into four groups of five animals in each and fed diets without (T1) or supplemented with 0.3 ppm selenium (Se) (T2), 0.3 ppm Se + 10 ppm copper (Cu) (T3), and 10 ppm Cu (T4) for 120 days during which blood samples were collected on day 0, 40, 80, and 120. Concentrations of glucose, total protein, urea, uric acid, and creatinine were similar in all the four groups, but the level of globulin was significantly (P < 0.01) increased in groups T2 and T3, leading to reduced levels of albumin and A:G ratio (P < 0.01) in these groups. The level of different serum enzymes viz. lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and hormones viz. T3, T4, testosterone and insulin and T4:T3 ratio were similar (P > 0.05) among the four groups. It was deduced that supplementation of 0.3 ppm Se and/or 10.0 ppm of Cu had no effect on blood metabolic profile in buffalo calves, except for an increased globulin level, indicating improved immunity status of these animals.

Effect of zinc supplementation from different sources on growth, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolic profile, and immune response of male Guinea pigs.

Forty weaned male guinea pigs of 208.20 +/- 6.62 g mean body weight were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals in a randomized block design. All of the guinea pigs were fed a basal diet [25% ground maize hay, 30% ground maize grain, 22% ground chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), 9.5% deoiled rice bran, 6% soybean meal, 6% fish meal, 1.45% mineral supplement (without Zn) and 0.05% ascorbic acid] and available green fodder. Group I served as the control (no Zn supplementation), whereas 20 ppm Zn was added in the diet in groups II, III, and IV either as zinc sulfate (ZnSO(4)), zinc amino acid complex (ZAAC), and ZnSO4 + ZAAC in equal parts, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for 70 d, including a 3-d digestibility trial. Blood was collected through cardiac puncture from four animals in each group at d 0 and subsequently at the end of experimental feeding. After 40 d of experimental feeding, four animals from each group were injected with 0.4 mL of Brucella abortus cotton strain-19 vaccine to assess the humoral immune response of the animals. After 10 wk of study, four animals from each group were sacrificed to study the concentration of Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, and Mn in the liver, pancreas and spleen. Results revealed no significant difference in the feed intake, body weight gain, and digestibility of the nutrients, except for crude protein (CP) digestibility, which was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in group IV. Although concentrations of serum glucose, Ca, and P and the albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio were similar in the different groups, the total protein, albumin, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were higher in all of the Zn-supplemented groups on d 70. The serum Zn levels at the end of experimental feeding were significantly higher in groups II and III, whereas serum Mn levels were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups III and IV. The organ weights (as percentage of body weights) did not show any differences among the treatment groups. Although the Mn concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the pancreas, the Cu concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the spleen in all of the Zn-supplemented groups. The humoral immune response (antibody titer values) on d 14 of vaccination was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in all of the Zn-supplemented groups. It was concluded that the 20-ppm level of Zn in the diet might be adequate for growth and nutrient utilization in guinea pigs, but supplementation of 20-ppm zinc significantly improved the immune response and impact was more prominent with the ZAAC (organic source) compared to ZnSO(4) (inorganic source).