Chronic selenosis in camels

Three groups of 4 female camels, 2 years-old receiving a basal diet of Rhodes grass and concentrate were supplemented for 90 days with 8, 12 and 16 mg non-organic selenium to each group, respectively. Blood, faeces and urine were collected for selenium, glutathione peroxidase and vitamin E determination. Two camels per group were sacrificed at day 45 and 90. Organs and hair samples were used for histopathological findings and selenium content estimation. The selenium concentration increased significantly in 3 groups with an average value of 321.23 ± 140.5 ng/ml, 443.18 ± 231.06 ng/ml and 298.04 ±212.13 ng/ml, respectively. Glutathione peroxidase activity varied between 26.85 and 174.16 IU/g Hb. Significant correlations between serum selenium, GSH-Px activity, urine and faecal Se were reported. No significant variation occurred for vitamin E (mean: 0.68 ± 0.36 ng/ml). High selenium level was observed in liver followed by kidney, spleen, lung, heart, pancreas, brain and ovary. Selenium concentration rose significantly in hair. Several symptoms related to selenosis have been reported and histopathological findings showed remarkable lesions in all the organs.