The objective of the present research was to evaluate the dynamics of changes in the mineral content in blood serum and liver of lambs under dietary selenium  supplementation. The study was conducted on 48 lambs assigned to three equal groups. The experiment started when the lambs were 5 weeks old, proceeded for 8 weeks and consisted of two stages. During the first, 4-week stage, the lambs were divided into three groups: group I - clinical control group, II – which received 0.2 mg Se/day in the form of enriched yeast, and III – which was fed 0.2 mg Se/day in the form of sodium selenite (POCH, Poland). During the second, 4-week stage, the lambs did not receive any supplements. Blood samples were taken after 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of the experiment. Liver samples were collected from slaughtered animals after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks since the onset of the experiment. Selenium supplementation significantly increased the Se concentration in the blood serum and liver of lambs. Selenium compounds significantly contributed to changes in the analyzed minerals, i.e. manganese, zinc, copper and iron. The results of this experiment suggest that selenium supplementation might lead to a decrease in levels other health-promoting elements such as Zn, Cu and Fe, and an increase in the Mn levels in the liver. Differences in the influence of organic and mineral forms of selenium on the Mn, Zn, and Cu content in the blood serum and liver were noticed. A significant decrease in the copper and iron content may induce symptoms of the deficiency of these trace elements in animals.

19.1.2014