Efficacy of Organic Selenium from Se-Enriched Yeast on Selenium Transfer from Sows to Piglets

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 firm. 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 kith 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.