Effects of experimental induction of chronic selenosis on plasma mineral profile in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The present investigation was conducted on 23 non-descriptive healthy male buffalo of 1-1½ years of age. Chronic selenosis was induced in 18 animals by feeding selenium (Se) enriched wheat straw (Se content 8.54 ppm) for 84 days while 5 animals were kept as healthy controls. Minerals profile of plasma samples reflected inverse relationship of Se and arsenic (As), which was associated with significant decline in mean concentration of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and potassium (K), whereas, effect on plasma copper (Cu) and sulphur (S) was over masked by their mobilization from tissues as confirmed on mineral tissue analysis. Heavy metals, viz. nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and chromium (Cr) showed positive relationship except for cadmium (Cd) which revealed decreasing trend with increasing plasma Se levels in buffalo calves fed on Se enriched wheat straw.