Abstract

REVILLA-VAZQUEZ, Alma et al. Supplement of selenium with intraruminal bolus of sodium selenite in sheep. Agrociencia [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.6, pp.629-635. ISSN 2521-9766.

As an alternative for giving a selenium supplement, intraruminal boluses of 3 and 10 g (total weight) were designed and tested in lambs and adult sheep. The ingredients were: sodium selenite (5.23%) as source of Se; to regulate its release and maintain its mass and density, Fe 68.77%; cutin 25%; magnesium stearate 1%. Eight Pelibuey lambs (6 months of age) were used in metabolic cages for 15 d. Later, they received T type ruminal cannulas, and were fed a diet low in Se (0.06 µg g ^-1); the treatments were as follows: a control group without Se, and a group supplemented with bolus of Se (3 g). In the performance trial test, 20 Columbia ewes were used: 10 in the control group and 10 that received bolus (10 g). In the lambs, the bolus released Se without affecting the ruminal pH (p>0.05). The model for the degradation of the bolus in time effect within the ruminal medium was: Weight (g) = 3.0106 - 8^-5(d) - 2^-6(d)², (r = 0.97). In the behavior test with the ewes, the bolus of Se increased the concentrations of blood Se by 22.6 and 72% at 60 and 90 d (p<0.05). It is concluded that the intraruminal bolus used in this assay constitutes an adequate and reliable technology for correcting the deficiency of Se and maintaining adequate concentrations of Se in sheep.

Keywords : Selenium deficiency; supplement with bolus; sheep.

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