Some recollections of early swine research with selenium and vitamin E

ABSTRACT Despite the much-publicized finding of protective effects of selenium against myopathies in young ruminants (white muscle disease), the earliest discovery of the health benefits of selenium was made with swine in 1957. Because the body fat of pigs more closely resembles the fat in their diets than does that of ruminants, swine were useful subject animals for the investigation of dietary antioxidants, and much has been learned from them concerning the metabolic functions of both selenium and vitamin E. Swine research also played an important role in establishing nutrient essentiality status for selenium and in gaining approval from regulatory agencies (FDA) for its supplementary addition to livestock diets. These findings added significantly to the developing knowledge of the role of selenium in animal nutrition and subsequently to the acceptance of selenium supplementation as a production practice with various species of farm animals worldwide. This paper will examine some steps in the assembly of information concerning dietary antioxidants, including, more recently, implications for human nutrition and disease control.

Implications

The antioxidants selenium and vitamin E are critical for both animal and human health and well being. Swine have been instrumental in the development of that understanding. Current research activity suggests that the understanding of the total contribution of these nutrients to health and well being will continue to grow.

Key Words: Pigs, Selenium, Vitamin E

© 2003, by the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.

J. Anim. Sci. 2003. 81(E. Suppl. 2):E145-E148