The dynamics of changes in erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and serum selenium content during the periparturient period in sows.

The aim of the present study was the description of the dynamics in erythrocyte GSH-Px activity and serum selenium content changes in sows during 14 days before and 14 days after parturition. The experiment was performed on 36 gilts of 1-3 years old. All animals came from the same farm with a closed production system and were fed the same diet of unknown selenium content. Blood was collected 8 times: 13-14 days before parturition, 6-7 days before parturition, 48-72 hours before parturition, and 12-24 hours before parturition, as well as 12-24 hours after parturition, 48-72 hours after parturition, 6-7 days after parturition and 13-14 days after parturition, always after feeding. Blood was centrifuged to obtain serum and erythrocytes were hemolysed. Erythrocyte GSH-Px activity was determined by the Paglia and Valentine method and expressed in U per g Hb. Serum selenium content was determined by the atomic absorption method. GSH-Px activity 14 days before parturition reached 13.38 U/g Hb and significantly decreased around the 7th day before parturition to 11.26 U/g Hb. 72 hours before parturition the activity of the enzyme increased to 16.85 U/g Hb. Between the 72nd hour before and the 14th day after parturition GSH-Px activity remained constant. Serum selenium content did not differ significantly in the examined gilts and ranged between 88.9 ug/L and 121.87 ug/L. 24 hours before and 24 hours after parturition the selenium content reached 96.55 ug/L and 88.91 ug/L respectively.