Effects of Se-Enriched Malt on the Immune and Antioxidant Function in the Se-Deprived Reclamation Merino Sheep in Southern Xinjiang.

We have found that the Reclamation merino sheep in Southern Xinjiang, China, showed emaciation, stiff limbs, instability, and sudden death, which is related to the impairment of immune function and antioxidant capacity caused by selenium (Se) deficiency. The experiments were to study the effects of Se-enriched malt on the immune and antioxidant function in Se-deprived Reclamation merino sheep in Southern Xinjiang, China. The samples of soil and forage had been collected from tested pastures, and animal tissues were also collected in tested animals. The mineral content of soil, forage, and animal tissues was measured in the collected samples. Hematological indexes and biochemical values were also examined. The findings showed that the Se contents were extremely lower in affected soil and forage than those from healthy soil and forage (P < 0.01). The Se contents in affected blood and wool were also extremely lower than those from healthy blood and wool (P < 0.01). The values in glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity in affected serum samples were also extremely lower than those from healthy serum samples, and levels of malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide synthase, and lipid peroxide were extremely higher in affected serum samples than those from healthy serum samples (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and platelet count from affected blood were extremely lower than those from healthy blood (P < 0.01). The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin G in serum were extremely decreased in the affected Reclamation merino sheep (P < 0.01). The levels of IL-6 and immunoglobulin M in serum were extremely reduced in the affected Reclamation merino sheep compared to healthy animals (P < 0.01). The animals in affected pastures were orally treated with Se-enriched malt, and the Se contents in blood were extremely increased (P < 0.01). The immune function and antioxidant indicator returned to within the healthy range. Consequently, our findings were indicated that the disorder of the Reclamation merino sheep was mainly caused by the Se deficiency in soil and forage. The Se-enriched malt could not only markedly increase the Se content in blood but also much improve the immune function and the antioxidant capacity in the Se-deprived Reclamation merino sheep.