Effect of Nano Selenium and Vitamin E on Growth, Antioxidants and Immunity of Binjharpuri Calves in Summer Season

Abstract

Background: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and vitamin E are potent antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and inhibit lipid peroxidation during summer stress conditions. Being a constituent of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nano Se removes the excess peroxides produced during the summer stress and enhances the growth rate of calves. Methods: A 120-day experiment was conducted on 24 Binjharpuri male calves (Age: 4-6 months body weight: 64.3±1.95 kg) randomly assigned into four groups (6 animals each) based on their body weight in a randomised block design (RBD). Group T1 (control) received a basal diet containing concentrate mixture and paddy straw, group T2 was supplemented with 0.3 ppm of selenium as SeNPs and group T3 received 100 IU of vitamin E in the form of DL alpha-tocopherol acetate, whereas group T4 was supplemented with both SeNPs (0.3 ppm) and vitamin E (100 IU). Experimental feeding continued for 04 months. Fortnightly body weight changes and daily feed intake were recorded. At the completion of the trial, samples of blood were taken to examine the calf’s blood chemistry, antioxidant enzymes and immune status. Result: Higher body weight gains were observed in both SeNPs and vitamin E supplemented calves than others. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity were significantly (P less than 0.05) greater and lipid peroxidation levels were reduced in both the supplemented group than the others. In comparison to the control group, the treated calves exhibited a considerably (P less than 0.05) higher cell-mediated immune response and high antibody titres.