Authors : S.I. Musa, I.I. Bitto, J.A Ayoade and E.O Oyedipe
Abstract: The effects of selenium and vitamin E administration on serum levels of immunoglobulins and lipid profile of sheep was investigated. The 30 ewes of Yankasa breed were used for the study. The animals were allowed access to grazing most of the day, maize offal was provided as supplementary feed. The ewes were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 10). Animals in group 1 served as control and were administered 1 mL normal saline. Animals in group 2 were administered 90 mg Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E) while group 3 received injection containing a combination of 100 mg tocopherol acetate and 1.97 mg sodium selenite. Two doses of the injections were administered 14 days apart (subcutaneously). The resulted indicate higher (p<0.05) serum values of immunoglobulin G (10.02, 11.51 and 12.85) and immunoglobulin M (4.50, 5.65 and 6.82) in response to a combination of selenium and vitamin E. The mean values of immunoglobulin A (1.35, 1.97 and 1.70) was however similar (p>0.05) for all groups. Mean CD4 count values was also enhanced (p<0.05) following administration of a combination of selenium and vitamin E (449, 462 and 4 98). Mean serum values of total cholesterol (3.12, 3.05 and 3.00), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.57, 1.42 and 1.67), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.46, 1.42 and 1.1) and triglycerides (0.17, 0.27 and 0.42) were similar (p>0.05) for all groups. It can be concluded that supplementation with selenium and vitamin E resulted in increased serum concentration of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M indicating improved immunological status of Yankasa sheep. Supplementation with selenium and vitamin E can be applied in pregnant animals to improve colostrum immunoglobulin concentration which has the potential to enhance immunological status and performance of newborn animals.
S.I. Musa, I.I. Bitto, J.A Ayoade and E.O Oyedipe, 2019. Serum Immunoglobulins and Lipid Profile of Sheep as Affected by Selenium and Vitamin E Administration. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 18: 1-4.