DIETARY SELENIUM AND CADMIUM INTERRELATIONSHIPS IN WEANLING PIGS

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Abstract
Sixteen piglets, weaned at 14 days, were used to study Se × Cd interaction and possible interference of Cd in the relationship between dietary Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in plasma. A diet containing 0.02 ppm Se, or supplemented with 0.1 ppm Se, was fed ad libitum for 7 wk. Then a supplement of Cd (50 ppm) was incorporated in the feed of half of each Se group for a 2-wk period. Supplemental Se increased the plasma GSH-Px activity (P < 0.01) and Se concentrations in heart, muscle and spleen (P < 0.05); blood, liver and lung (P < 0.01); and kidney (P < 0.001), but not in brain tissue. Supplementary Cd had no effect (P > 0.05) on the blood measurements, but increased Cd levels in lung (P < 0.05), spleen (P < 0.01), and liver and kidney (P < 0.001). Tissue levels of Cd and Se in the kidney, liver and spleen provided confirmation of the interaction between these dietary trace minerals.