Vitamin E and selenium: their importance in pig nutrition and medicine
1988
Polyzopoulou, Z. | Kyriakis, S. (Aristotelion Univ., Thessaloniki (Greece). Faculty of Veterinary) | Mavromatis, G.
This review states the facts concerning the role of vitamin E and Selenium (Se) in pig nutrition and the effects of vitamin E-Se deficiency. Vitamin E, Se and the sulfur-containing amino acids are the three known factors responsible for the protection of living tissues from the toxicity of peroxides produced in the course of various metabolic reactions. Briefly stated, vitamin E blocks the effects of oxidant stressors, Se, as a component of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalyses the destruction of peroxides and the sulfur-containing aminoacids serve as a precursor of glutathione (GSH). Oxidation as well as various antagonists, increase tissue requirements for vitamin E and Se. Lately a great deal of interest has been focused on a new research field: the elucidation of the role of vitamin E-Se in the defence system of the animals, including pigs. It has been suggested that both these substances enhance humoral as well as cell-mediated immunological response. Clinically, vitamin E-Se deficiency is characterized by sporadic, unexpected deaths of pigs 2-4 months old. Three forms of the disease are seen: A. Hepatosis dietetica, B. Mulberry Heart Disease and C. White Muscle Disease. Distinctive gross lesions of only one or several of these forms may be found in the same animal. Outbreaks of vitamin E-Se deficiency can be stopped by E-Se injections into the pigs at risk. Successful control measures include vitamin E-Se supplementation of feeds and prophylactic E-Se injections of young pigs. In conclusion, it is necessary to continue research in this direction, for determining the importance of vitamin E-Se in pig nutrition and medicine
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