Effects of water supplementation with selenium and vitamin E on growth performance and blood selenium and serum vitamin E concentrations in weanling pigs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine effects of supplementation of drinking water with selenium and vitamin E on blood selenium and serum vitamin E concentrations, growth performance, and water intake of pigs.


METHODS
Prospective controlled study.


METHODS
228 weanling pigs.


METHODS
In experiments 1 and 2, pigs were given drinking water supplemented with selenium and vitamin E, and blood selenium and serum vitamin E concentrations were measured. In experiment 3, growth performance and water intake were measured in pigs that received supplemented water for 2 or 5 weeks and in control pigs.


RESULTS
In experiment 1, blood selenium concentrations were significantly increased after 7 days of supplementation, and serum vitamin E concentrations were significantly increased after 1 and 7 days of supplementation, compared with baseline concentrations. In experiment 2, blood selenium concentrations were not significantly different between treated and control pigs, and serum vitamin E concentrations were significantly increased on day 7. In experiment 3, gain-to-feed ratios were significantly higher for pigs supplemented with selenium and vitamin E for 5 weeks, but other differences were not detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementation of drinking water with selenium and vitamin E may improve the selenium and vitamin E status of weanling pigs by increasing selenium and vitamin E intake.
van Heugten
E
E
Animal Nutrition Division, Continental Grain Co, Chicago, IL 60606, USA.
Sweet
L A
LA
Stumpf
T T
TT
Risley
C R
CR
Schell
T C
TC
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004326:Drinking / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012643:Selenium / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013552:Swine / Q000097:blood* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014867:Water / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D014886:Weaning
D014867:Water; D014810:Vitamin E; D012643:Selenium