Maternal transfer of selenium by blood and milk in camels

Ten pregnant female camels were divided into two groups. The control group received no supplement; the experimental (treated) group received a daily oral supplement of 2 mg Se as selenite for the last three months of pregnancy and the first month of lactation. The Se concentration in serum increased significantly in the supplemented group and was threefold higher (305.9 ± 103.3 ng/mL) than in the concentration control group (109.3 ± 33.1 ng/mL). Blood values in camel calves were similar to those of the dams. The selenium concentration increased in similar proportions in milk (167.1 ± 97.3 ng/mL vs 86.4 ± 39.1 ng/mL in the supplemented and control groups respectively). In the colostrum, Se concentration was higher in both groups, but with a similar difference: 108.2 ± 43.9 ng/mL vs 302 ± 94.60. Significant correlations were reported between dam serum Se, camel calf serum Se, milk Se and GSH-Px both in dams and calves.