Abstract
Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are very important trace mineral for animals and human health. Selenium is an essential constituent of the antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px, while I as a thyroid hormone play a crucial role in regulating body metabolism. The aim of this study was to provide preliminary data on the Se and I status of two camel breeds (Majaheem and Maghateer: Camelus dromedaries) raised under the semi intensive system in Saudi Arabia (SA). Ten Majaheem male camels and ten maghateer, age 1.5 +/- 0.5 yrs old, were slaughtered and blood and tissues (liver, kidney and meat) were collected. Blood serum samples were analyzed for Se, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), glucose, cholesterol, true protein and albumin. Tissues samples were wet digested and analyzed for Se level using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results showed a significant breed effect on serum and tissues Se with higher concentration of Majaheem compared with Maghateer breed. The same trend was found for glucose and total protein. Furthermore, serum Se was significantly correlated with liver Se (r(2)=0.698; P<0.01), meat Se (r(2)=0.453; P<0.05), T3 (r(2)=0.527; P<0.05) and T4 (r(2)=0.476; P<0.05). Thyroxine was significantly correlated to T3 (r(2)=0.693; P<0.01).
In conclusion, a highly significant breed effect was reported for Se metabolism. The highest Se concentration occurs in kidney followed by liver and meat.