Svoboda M., R. Ficek, J. Drábek: Efficacy of Organic Selenium from Se-Enriched Yeast on Selenium Transfer from Sows to Piglets. Acta Vet. Brno 2008, 77: 515-521.The aim of the trial was to determine the efficacy of organic Se from Se-enriched yeast in placental transfer to piglets in the conditions of a Czech pig farm. In group I (n = 8) the sows were fed during gestation and lactation a diet supplemented with inorganic Se (sodium selenite, 0.3 mg/kg of Se for the gestation and 0.38 mg/kg of Se for the lactation diet). In group II (n = 8) the diet of the sows was supplemented with organic Se from Se-enriched yeast (0.3 mg/kg of Se for the gestation and 0.38 mg/kg of Se for the lactation diet). Se concentrations in the whole blood, colostrum and milk were higher (P < 0.01) in the group of sows fed with the organic Se form. No differences in GSH-Px activities in the whole blood were found between the two groups of sows. The concentrations of Se in piglet tissues (heart P < 0.05, liver P > 0.01, muscle P > 0.01) were also higher when the organic form was provided. It is concluded that the use of the organic Se from Se-enriched yeast in sows resulted in greater transfer of Se to their progeny, however it did not have a positive effect on the antioxidant system of the organism.

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 < 0.01) and in the heart (P < 0.01) were found when Se from Se-enriched yeast was given, compared to the group of pigs that received Se from Se-enriched alga 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.Glutathion peroxidase, GSH-Px, pork, meat quality, sodium selenite

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neonatal iron deficiency on immune functions in young piglets. While control piglets were not given any iron preparation until the age of 21 days, another group of piglets was given 200 mg of Fe(3+)-dextran i.m. on day 3. Red blood cell parameters in the former, iron-deficient group were characteristic of hypochromic anaemia. In addition, the total leucocyte count (P < 0.01), relative and absolute neutrophil count (P < 0.01) and absolute lymphocyte count (P < 0.05) in peripheral blood were found significantly lower in iron-deficient piglets than in their iron-supplemented counterparts. Lymphocyte activity as measured by in vitro lymphocyte transformation test was impaired in iron-deficient piglets. A statistically significant decrease in circulating B-lymphocyte numbers was found in non-supplemented animals. Iron deficiency apparently negatively influenced the immunocompetence in piglets.

The aim of this study was to investigate efficiency of oral administration of Fe 2+ -fumarate in form of paste in preventing iron deficiency anaemia of suckling piglets. Piglets in group 1 (n = 20) were given 200 mg Fe 2+ -fumarate on days 6 and 11 after birth. Piglets in group 2 (n = 20) were given 200 mg Fe 3+ -dextran i.m. on day 3. A group of piglets (group 3, n = 10) treated with Fe 3+

Svoboda M., J. Drábek: Intramuscular versus Subcutaneous Administration of Iron Dextran in Suckling Piglets. Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: S11-S15.The aim of the study was to compare the development of red blood cell indices after subcutaneous versus intramuscular administration of iron dextran to suckling piglets during early postnatal period. The piglets in group I (n = 17) were injected subcutaneously (into groin) with 200 mg Fe 3+ as iron dextran on day 3 of life. In group II (n = 16), the piglets received intramuscular injection (into gluteal muscles) of 200 mg Fe 3+ as iron dextran on day 3 of life. In group III (n = 10), the piglets did not receive any iron till the age of 3 days. The blood was taken and analyzed (Hb, PCV, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Fe) on days 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Haematological indices of piglets in group III were characteristic for hypochromic anaemia. Anaemia in group III had a detrimental effect on the growth rate of piglets. The development of red blood cell indices and iron concentration in blood plasma in subcutaneously treated piglets did not differ significantly from that of intramuscularlytreated group. Both treatments prevented development of anaemia. Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, anaemia, neonatal