Effect of parenteral supplementation of selenium and vitamin E on selected blood biochemical parameters in H-F cows during the transition period

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on selected blood biochemical parameters in dairy cows during the transition period. The study was conducted on 20 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows divided into two groups. Group I (experimental, 10 cows) was intramuscularly administered a vitamin E and selenium supplement (30 ml) (tocopherol acetate - 50 mg, sodium selenite - 0.5 mg, solvent - 1 ml) 5 days prepartum. Group II was the control with no supplementation. The BCS of all cows was determined at 4-4.2 five days prepartum. Blood samples were collected from all cows on 5 sampling dates (5 days prepartum, on the day of parturition day, and 5,10 and 15 days postpartum). Serum total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid), BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate), vitamin E and selenium levels were determined in the collected samples. AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GGTP (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) activity was measured. In the experimental group, a significant increase in selenium and vitamin E concentrations was observed on the day of parturition, and an increase in GSH-Px activity was noted 5 days postpartum. No significant changes in the monitored parameters were reported in the control group.