Effect of Sodium selenite and vitamin E supplementation on growth and serum minerals profile of pigs (Sus domesticus)

To assess the effect of sodium selenite and vitamin E supplementation on growth and serum minerals, twenty male large white Yorkshire pigs of similar age (2-3 months) and body weight (14.96 ± 0.68 kg average) were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group I served as control (without any supplementation), whereas animals in groups II and III were supplemented with 0.3 mg selenium kg-1 DM as sodium selenite, 100 mg of vitamin E as DL-α-tocopheryl acetate, respectively. Piglets in group IV were supplemented with both 0.3 ppm Se as sodium selenite and 100 mg of vitamin E as DL-α-tocopheryl acetate. This experimental feeding lasted for 120 days, during which fortnightly bodyweight changes were recorded. Blood samples were collected at day 0 and day 120. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in serum Se concentration in supplemented groups than control. Average daily gain and serum calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, manganese were similar (P>0.05) among the four groups. The results suggest that supplementation of 0.3 ppm Se as sodium selenite and 100 mg of vitamin E may enhance the serum Se concentration without affecting body weight gain and other serum minerals of pigs.