Acta Vet. Brno 2010, 79: 511-517
The Use of Selenium Enriched Enterococcus faecium as an Alternative Selenium Source for Growing-finishing Pigs
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the feeding of selenium enriched Enterococcus faecium on selenium concentrations in muscle tissue and on meat quality indicators in finishing pigs. Groups of pigs fed Se-enriched E. faecium (n = 12), sodium selenite (n = 12) and Se-enriched yeast (n = 12) were used in the study. The tested feed mixtures were fed for a period of 3 months before the pigs were slaughtered. The selenium concentrations in muscle tissue achieved by the use of Se-enriched E. faecium were comparable to those achieved in sodium selenite diets and lower (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Se-enriched yeast. Concentration of Se in serum and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities did not differ in animals fed different Se forms. No differences in indices of meat quality were found among the groups. Se-enriched E. faecium bacteria can be recommended as an alternative selenium source for finisher pigs with the similar efficacy as sodium selenite.
