Effect of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on haematology, blood chemistry and thyroid hormones in male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves

An experiment was conducted on 20 male buffalo calves (average body weight 75.30 ± 2.20 kg) to elucidate the effect of supplemental vitamin E and/or selenium (Se) on their haematology, blood metabolic profi le, serum enzymes and thyroid hormones status.Group I served as control (without any supplementation), groups II, III and IV were supplemented with 0.3 mg Se, 300 IU of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate, and both 300 IU DL-α-tocopheryl acetate and 0.3 mg Se, respectively.Animals were fed on wheat straw and concentrate mixture to meet their nutrient requirements.Blood was collected at zero day and subsequently at 45, 90, 135 and 180 days and analysed for haematological parameters, blood chemistry and level of thyroid hormones.Results revealed no signifi cant difference (P>0.05) in haematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell) due to the supplementation of vitamin E ,Se or both vitamin E + Se in buffalo calves.Similarly, the concentration of various blood biochemical components (glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) except high density lipid (HDL) cholesterol was statistically similar in 4 groups.Results revealed signifi cantly (P<0.01)higher concentration (mg/dl) of HDL cholesterol in buffalo calves given Se and Se + vitamin E as compared to control and vitamin E supplemented groups.There was no signifi cant difference in serum enzymes (serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) activities due to different treatments.Level of triiodothyronine was signifi cantly (P<0.01)higher in buffalo calves supplemented with selenium, and vitamin E + Se, as compared to non-supplemented control group; whereas concentration of thyroxine (nmol/l) was statistically similar in 4 groups, without showing * This research work was carried out under AP Cess Fund Ad Hoc scheme supported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi (India) 1