EFFECTS OF SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENTATION ON CONCENTRATIONS OF SELENIUM AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN COLOSTRUM AND BLOOD OF BALUCHI EWES AND LAMBS, AND ON LAMB GROWTH

Effects of injections of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E were studied on concentrations of Se and immunoglobulins in ewe blood and colostrum, immunoglobulin concentrations in lamb blood, incidence of nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) and on lamb growth in Baluchi sheep. Blood concentration of Se in ewes increased (P<0.05) gradually during pregnancy after injections with Se. Injections of selenium, with or without vitamin E resulted in an increase in concentration of Se in colostrum. Supplemental Se and vitamin E resulted in higher concentration of immunoglobulins in ewe blood as compared with other treatment groups (P<0.05). Beta-globulin levels in blood of ewes and lambs were not affected by the treatment. All treatments increased colostral beta-globulin levels as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Mean lamb birth weight was not different among various treatment groups, however, lambs injected with supplements, were heavier than control (P<0.05). Incidence of NMD was decreased by the treatment (P<0.05).