Selenium and iodine status of sheep in the Markazi province, Iran

Document Type : Short paper

Authors

1 Agriculture and Natural Resource Research Center of Markazi Province, Arak, Iran

2 Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University (M.C), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide preliminary quantitative information on selenium and iodine status
of sheep in Markazi province, Iran. Selenium and iodine status of grazing sheep were measured for 57
different flocks in 14 regions over one year. The districts were selected to represent major sheep growing
areas in the province. Blood samples were collected from 2 to 3-year-old ewes during summer, autumn and
winter. Samples were analyzed for blood glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) activity and plasma inorganic
iodine. There were significant differences between regions and seasonal differences in terms of blood GSHpx
activity and plasma inorganic iodine concentration (P<0.01). Low levels of GSHpx activity (<60 IU/gHb)
and plasma inorganic iodine (<5 μg/dl) in some regions or some seasons indicated the need for dietary
supplementation of these minerals.

Keywords