engleski

Status of selenium in sheep and dairy cow blood in Western Balkan countries

The main goal of this study was to assess the selenium (Se) status of sheep and cows in some of the Western Balkan countries. A total number of 105 sheep and 160 cow blood samples (from 21 and 39 farms, respectively) were collected and analyzed for total Se in the whole blood. Samples have been analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that 85.6% of sheep and 45.6% of cows had inadequate level of blood Se concentration (≤ 0.1 μg/mL). Blood Se concentration was significantly higher in both Se supplemented sheep and cows than in those without any Se supplementation. The whole blood Se concentration was low in all farms without Se supplementation. Therefore, Se should be supplemented to their feed or Se-biofortified feed be used to ensure the adequate level of Se in cows and sheep in all the Balkan countries.

Selenium deficiency; sheep; dairy cows; Balkan countries

nije evidentirano