Selenium and iodine status of sheep in the Markazi province, Iran

The aim of this study was to provide preliminary quantitative information on selenium and iodine status of sheep in Markazi province, Iran. Selenium and iodine status of grazing sheep were measured for 57 different flocks in 14 regions over one year. The districts were selected to represent major sheep growing areas in the province. Blood samples were collected from 2 to 3-year-old ewes during summer, autumn and winter. Samples were analyzed for blood glutathione peroxidase [GSHpx] activity and plasma inorganic iodine. There were significant differences between regions and seasonal differences in terms of blood GSHpx and plasma inorganic iodine concentration [P<0.01]. Low levels of GSHpx activity [<60 IU/gHb] and plasma inorganic iodine [<5micro g/dl] in some regions or some seasons indicated the need for dietary supplementation of these minerals

[Survey of blood selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase activity in grazing ewes]

This study was conducted to determining the GPX, Hemoglobin concentration [Hb] and hematocrite percentage [Hct] in blood samples of young ewes were gathered at different places of Zagheh Salman pastures in Qom province. 15 blood samples were gathered through 8 flocks during autumn, winter and spring seasons randomly. At first the measures of GPX, Hb and Hct were determined and then GPX concentration in the basis of unit per gram of hemoglobin and unit per milliliter of hematocrite were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results showed that the ratios of GPX to hemoglobin concentration [GPX/Hb] and hematocrite percentage [GPX/Hct] were higher than their marginal levels significantly.There were significant differences between three seasons for hematocrite percentage and the ratios of GPX to hemoglobin [GPX/Hb] and hematocrite [GPX/Hct].The mean of hematocrite percentage had a maximum level in spring and minimum in winter. The ratios of GPX to hemoglobin and hematocrite had a maximum level in autumn and minimum in spring. The results of this research indicate that, despite of differences between flock and seasons all of flock had higher amounts of mentioned blood factors than their marginal levels and they had no deficiency aspects for these blood factors