Effect of selenium on oxidative stress in goats

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on oxidative stress status (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and growth performance in goats. Twelve post-weaning kids were divided into a control and treatment group. While the control group was injected with 2ml of normal saline, the treatment group was subcutaneously injected with 100mg sodium selenite. Blood collection was done before injection and these were repeated four times within a 3-4 day interval. There was no significant difference on the average daily gain, blood malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels between the treatment and control group. It is concluded that supplementation of Se in a mixture concoction is not effective in reducing oxidative stress and promoting growth in kids.