Effect of selenium supplementation on colostral IgG concentration in cows grazing selenium-deficient pastures and on postsuckle serum IgG concentration in their calves.
Effects of selenium (Se) deficiency and supplementation on production of colostral immunoglobulins by beef cows and transfer of antigen-specific and nonspecific immunoglobulins to their calves were examined. Eight beef cows, with marginal to deficient Se status (blood Se concentration, 50 micrograms/L), were allotted by breed and age to 1 of 4 Se treatment groups (n = 20/group): no supplemental Se; parenteral administration of 0.1 mg of Se and 1 mg of vitamin E/kg of body weight; ad libitum consumption of 120 mg of Se/kg of salt-mineral mix (SMM); and parenteral administration of 0.1 mg of Se and 1 mg of vitamin E/kg plus ad libitum consumption of 120 mg of Se/kg of SMM. All cows were inoculated IM with lysozyme. Cows consumed Se-deficient pastures or hay (21 to 62 micrograms/kg) during the study that began at mid-gestation and ended at postpartum hour 24. Although the concentration of specific lysozyme antibodies was not affected, cows given 120 mg of Se/kg of SMM (treatments 3 and 4) had higher colostral IgG concentration (P < 0.002) than did Se-deficient cows (treatments 1 and 2). Calves from cows in treatments 3 and 4 had higher postsuckle serum concentrations of IgG (P < 0.01) than did calves from cows in treatments 1 and 2. Colostral IgM and calf serum IgM concentrations did not differ among treatments.
Swecker
W S
WS
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0442, USA.
Thatcher
C D
CD
Eversole
D E
DE
Blodgett
D J
DJ
Schurig
G G
GG
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling; D002417:Cattle; D003126:Colostrum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D008892:Milk / Q000276:immunology*; D009113:Muramidase; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D009113:Muramidase; D012643:Selenium