Physiological response of rabbits to organic selenium: Serum metabolites, liver and kidney function tests and hematological indices

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the serum total protein, glucose, liver, kidney and haematological response to varied levels of exogenous L-Selenomethionine (L-SeMet). Twenty four male rabbit bucks, about 10 months old were randomly allotted to four treatments in a completely randomized design. Blood samples were collected at day 21 and day 42 from the bucks and processed for total protein, glucose, haematocrit, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes,and leukocyte differential count determination. Serum total protein was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rabbits administered 0.3 mgkg-1 and 0.4 mgkg-1 at day 21 than those fed 0.2 mgkg-1. However, Glucose, alanine aminotransferase, spartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were not significantly influenced by L-SeMet administration at both days 21 and 42. Blood urea was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in bucks administered 0.4 mgkg-1 L-SeMet comparedto the control. Creatinine and sodium levels in the bucks were also not significantly influenced by L-SeMet. This suggested that exogenous supplementation of L-SeMet did not have adverse effect on the physiological processes of the rabbit bucks. Increased serum total protein observed in the experimental animals could be attributed to L-SeMet administration to the rabbit bucks which probably enhanced dietary protein utilization and/or protein synthesis.