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Effect Of Selenium Source On Selenium Digestibility And Retention In Exercised Thoroughbreds

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Pagan, J.D., P. Karnezos, M.A.P. Kennedy, T, Currier and K.E. Hoekstra. 1999. Effect of selenium source on selenium digestibility and retention in exercised Thoroughbreds. In: Proc. 16th Equine Nutr. and Physiol. Soc. Symp. pp. 135-140.

Performance horses compete in a wide variety of athletic events ranging from high speed racing to 100 mile endurance rides. These types of exercise are known to induce oxidative stress, leading to the generation of free radicals. An increased generation of free radicals may induce lipid peroxidation and tissue damage in both the respiratory system and working muscle. This is particularly true if the animal has a deficient or impaired antioxidant status. Reddy et al. (1998) studied the role of vitamin E and selenium (Se) during exercise-induced oxidative stress in the pulmonary tissue of rats. Vitamin E and/or Se deficiency resulted in generation of free radicals as revealed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra in lung tissue, indicating the onset of oxidative stress. When the rats were subjected to a single bout of exhaustive exercise, there was an additional increase in the generation of oxy-free radicals. However, no such signals were recorded in the lung tissue of vitamin E and Se supplemented animals when subjected to a similar exercise program, suggesting that protection is offered by vitamin E and Se in combating oxidative stress. Many antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), are selenoproteins making selenium an extremely important mineral for performance horses.

 

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