Effect of Organic Selenium from Se-enriched Alga (Chlorella spp.) on Selenium Transfer from Sows to Their Progeny

The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of organic Se from Se-enriched alga Chlorella spp. in placental transfer to piglets. In group A (n = 8) the sows were fed during the gestation a diet supplemented with inorganic Se (sodium selenite, 0.3 mg/kg). In group B (n = 8) the diet of the sows was supplemented with organic Se from Se-enriched alga (0.3 mg/kg). The Se concentrations in the whole blood (P < 0.05) and in colostrums (P < 0.05) were higher in the group of sows provided with the organic Se form. No differences in GSH-Px activities were found between the two groups. The concentrations of Se in piglet tissues were also higher when the organic form was provided. It is concluded that the use of the organic Se from Se-enriched alga Chlorella spp. in sows resulted in greater transfer of Se to their progeny. Glutathione peroxidase, piglet, inorganic selenium, colostrum Selenium is an essential element. It is involved in the active centre of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme where it acts as an antioxidant by reducing hydrogen peroxide (Tappel 1974). Selenium is principally available to piglets from both placental and mammary transfer (Mahan et al. 1977). Inorganic and organic forms of Se have been used in swin

Efficacy of Se-enriched Alga Chlorella spp. and Se-enriched Yeast on Tissue Selenium Retention and Carcass Characteristics in Finisher Pigs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic Se from Se-enriched alga (Chlorella spp.) and Se from Se-enriched yeast on concentrations of Se in serum and tissues, and serum GSH-Px activities and carcass characteristics in finishing pigs. The pigs were on experimental diets for a period of 3 months before slaughter with different Se supplements at the concentration of 0.3 mg Se per kg of feed. In group I (n = 12) the feed was supplemented with inorganic sodium selenite; in group II (n = 12) with organic Se from Se-enriched yeast; in group III (n = 12) with organic Se from Se-enriched alga, Chlorella spp. and pigs in group IV (n = 11) received a non-supplemented basal diet. The organic Se sources did not differ in serum Se and serum GSH-Px activities. Significantly higher Se concentrations in muscle (P P Chlorella spp. The Se content in livers and ovaries did not differ between the two organic Se sources. The use of both organic Se forms resulted in a higher accumulation in muscle tissue compared to the inorganic Se form. No differences in meat quality characteristics were found among the experimental groups. It is concluded that Se from Se-enriched alga, Chlorella spp. had a lower accumulation in muscle tissue than Se from Se-enriched yeast, and it did not affect meat quality