Effect of Selenium and Vitamin E Injection during Late Pregnancy on Immune System and Productive Performances of Sanjabi Ewes and Their Lambs

Abstract

This study was preformed to investigate the effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation during late pregnancy on plasma and colostrum selenium concentrations and immune system of Sanjabi ewes and their lambs. Twenty seven Sanjabi ewes were randomly assigned to three treatments groups. Four and two weeks before expected lambing, ewes were injected intramuscularly 0 ml (C) 5 ml (T1), 10 ml (T2) selenium and vitamin E respectively. Each ml of the supplement containing of 0.5 mg Se as sodium selenite and 50 mg vitamin E as D, L-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Plasma and colostrum Se concentrations, colostrum and plasma IgG concentrations, white blood cell and differential leukocyte counts were measured. The results showed that plasma Se concentrations were significantly increased in T2 compared with controls as well as plasma Se concentration of lambs of treatments were significantly increased compared with lambs of control. The colostrum Se concentrations were significantly increased in Se supplemented groups compared with control. White blood cell counts was higher in lambs of T2 when compared with controls (P<0.05). The colostrum IgG concentrations at one hour postpartum were higher in T2 compared with controls (P<0.05). The mean colostrum production at one hour  postpartum did not differ between ewes but the mean colostrum production at 10 and 18 hours postpartum increased in ewes of T2 group (P<0.05). The length of restless prepartum and length of gestation in supplemented ewes were shorter than controls. In conclusion, selenium and vitamin E injection during late pregnancy at the level of 10 ml could have influenced passive immune system and ewes and  lambs performance.