Blood serum concentrations of selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity in Akkaraman sheep

Abstract

Selenium and other essential elements play an important role in animal husbandry. These elements help to minimize infectious diseases, reduce concomitant stresses and bring about optimal productive and reproductive performance. The mean serum selenium concentration of the sheep sampled in this study was 303.65 ng/mi. Such values are considered to be indicative of adequate dietary supplementation. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity in the sheep sampled in this study was also analysed, and the mean glutathione peroxidase activity was 3.65 nmolNADPH+H-/min/mg protein. It is recommended that producers monitor the selenium in serum in order to maintain adequate nutrition and performance in sheep.