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Nutritional status of adult ewes during early and mid-pregnancy. 2. Effects of supplementation with selenised yeast on ewe reproduction and offspring performance to weaning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2008

C. Muñoz ,
A. F. Carson ,
M. A. McCoy ,
L. E. R. Dawson ,
N. E. O’Connell  and
A. W. Gordon
C. Muñoz*
Affiliation:
Queen’s University Belfast, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
A. F. Carson
Affiliation:
Agriculture Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Large Park, Hillsborough, Co., Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland, UK
M. A. McCoy
Affiliation:
Veterinary Sciences Division, AFBI, Stoney Road, Belfast BT4 3SD, Northern Ireland, UK
L. E. R. Dawson
Affiliation:
Agriculture Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Large Park, Hillsborough, Co., Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland, UK
N. E. O’Connell
Affiliation:
Agriculture Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Large Park, Hillsborough, Co., Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland, UK
A. W. Gordon
Affiliation:
Biometrics Department, AFBI, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, Northern Ireland, UK
*
E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of selenium (Se) supplementation of mature ewes in the period from day −14 to day 90 post mating on Se status, productivity and viability of ewes and their offspring. Multiparous crossbred ewes (n = 82) were randomly assigned to receive a standard dried grass-based diet (control) or dried grass diet supplemented with 1 g of selenised yeast (Selplex®), providing 0.5 mg Se per ewe per day. After day 90 post mating, all ewes were offered grass-based diets supplemented with a standard multivitamin and mineral mix, up to lambing. Ewes that were fed additional Se had increased (P < 0.001) activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) and increased plasma Se concentrations throughout the treatment period. At lambing, GPx activity of supplemented ewes was higher (P < 0.001) than that of controls. Twenty-four hours after birth, lambs of ewes given Se had higher (P < 0.001) concentration of Se in plasma, greater (P < 0.001) activity of GPx and better (P < 0.01) immune status. Lambs of ewes that received supplementation showed a faster progression to stand than control lambs (P < 0.05), independent of maternal behaviour which was not affected. Supplementation reduced perinatal lamb mortality (0.04 v. 0.17; P < 0.05). However, overall mortality from birth to weaning was unaffected (P > 0.05). Supplemented ewes weaned lambs on average 2 kg heavier than control ewes, due to the higher (P < 0.05) growth rates achieved by their offspring. In conclusion, for ewes with a marginal Se status, an organic source of Se supplemented throughout pregnancy, compared with supplementation only in the last trimester, positively affected measures of lamb viability and survival.

Keywords

lamb survivalmineral nutritionneonate behaviourseleniumsheep
Type
Full Paper
Information
animal , Volume 2 , Issue 1 , January 2008 , pp. 64 - 72
Copyright
Copyright © The Animal Consortium 2008

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