Effect of different selenium supplementation levels on selenium status in camel.

Twelve female camels divided into three groups received, after a 2-week adaptation period, an oral Se supplementation (0, 2, and 4 mg, respectively) under sodium selenite form for 3 months. Feed intake was assessed daily, blood samples and body weight were taken on a weekly basis, and feces and urine samples were collected every 2 weeks up to 1 month after the end of the supplementation period. The Se concentration in serum was increased significantly in supplemented groups. The maximum level was observed in the period of supplementation in the camel receiving 4 mg (492.5 ng/mL), which was fourfold higher than the value at the beginning of the trial (126 to 138.5 ng/mL according to the groups). The selenium concentration increased significantly in urine and feces but to a lesser extent. A similar trend was observed with glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) values varying between 8.4 and 96.5 IU/g Hb. However, no difference occurred between the two groups receiving 2 or 4 mg Se at the supplementation period. Vitamin E (mean 1.13 +/- 0.61 microg/mL with range 0.27-3.09) did not change significantly. Significant correlations were reported between serum Se, GSH-Px, fecal, and urinary excretion or concentration.