Effects of Selenium Deficiency in the Environment on Antioxidant Systems of Wumen Semi-Fine Wool Sheep

Abstract

The Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep industry is the pillar industry in the Wumeng mountainous area. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of selenium deficiency in the environment on the mineral element metabolism and antioxidant system function in grazing Wumen semi-fine wool sheep, and provide scientific and objective data for the reference of the development of Wumen sheep industry. Samples of soil and forage were collected from affected and unaffected areas. Samples of tissue and blood were collected from affected and healthy sheep. The samples were used for hematological parameters and biochemical index analyses and mineral nutrient measurements. The results showed that concentrations of selenium (Se) in the soil and forage samples from the affected area were significantly lower than those from the unaffected area (P<0.01). The selenium concentrations of blood, liver and wool samples from the affected sheep were significantly lower than those in the healthy sheep (P<0.01). Hb, PCV and MCH of the affected sheep were significantly lower than those in the healthy sheep (P<0.01). Serum GSH-PX, CAT and T-AOC of the affected sheep were significantly lower than those in the healthy sheep (P<0.01). Serum MDA, T-NOS, NO and LPO of the affected sheep were significantly higher than those in the healthy sheep (P < 0.01). Serum AKP, CPK, LDH, ALT, AST and A/G value of the affected sheep were significantly higher than those in the healthy sheep (P<0.01). Serum total protein, albumin, α-Globulin, β-Globulin and γ-Globulin concentrations of the affected sheep were significantly lower than those in the healthy sheep (P<0.01). The study clearly demonstrated that grazing a seleniumdeficient meadow significantly reduces the selenium content of tissue and antioxidant capacity, which seriously caused oxidative damage of the Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep.

Gene Expression of Oxidative/Antioxidative Markers, VDR, CAMK4 and Ceruloplasmin in Baladi Sheep a with Minerals Deficiency

“…Clinically the mineral deficient group had weakness, emaciation, retardation of growth, change wool color, easily detached wool, partial alopecia and pale mucous membrane, according to a clinical examination. The aforementioned clinical indicators were additionally detailed by [8,35].…”

“…Two molecules of hydrogen peroxide are broken down by catalase into one oxygen molecule [46]. The GSH-Px active site contains selenium, which is essential for catalyzing the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and other organic peroxides GSH-Px activity [35]. Zinc activates glutathione peroxidase, converting glutathione into oxidized form.…”

Decreasing Toxicity of Heavy Metal to the Altai Sheep by Fertilized Nano-Potassium Molybdate

“…Meanwhile, molecular structure of S element and Se element are similar, and competing the same absorbing sites of the plant roots in soil solution [48]. The decreasing content of the soluble S, resulting in an increasing absorption of Se nutrition, and increasing contents of Se in the forage [49,50].…”

“…However, the excessive content can cause very large harm to the organisms. The heavy metal accumulate in the soil will remarkably decrease the quality and production of forage [21,22]. It has been reported that heavy metal reduced gastrointestinal peristalsis, while lead to a strong stimulation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and caused gastroenteritis anorexia, which bring the decrease of daily gain, slaughter rate, and daily feed intake [23,24].…”

Response of the Wumeng Sheep to Phosphorus Deprived Environment in the Southwest China

“…Severe affected Wumeng sheep included permanent recumbency and eventual death. Many scholars have studied animal mineral deficiencies in the whole world [4,5]. Huang (2002) reported sulfur (S) deficiency in Tibet sheep and goats causing by low S content in soil and forage in pasture in Gansu Province in the Northwest China [6].…”