Selenium and Vitamin E Deficiency - Assignment Example

SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E DEFICIENCY AS RISK FACTORS FOR ANIMALS INFERTILITY, EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVALUATION IN SAUDI ARABIA (Tutor) Course City/State Date Introduction Infertility is common in various livestock in different countries worldwide. It refers to the inability of the animals to reproduce adequately due to deficiencies of particular minerals and vitamins in their nutrition. Infertility in animals entails various aspects of reproduction such as stillbirths, miscarriages, failure to conceive and fertilize. Infertility in livestock refers to the effects of Brucellosis in various parts. The disease affects different livestock such as sheep, cattle, camel, horses and goats (Al-Khamees, 2010). The disease affects the economy of various countries that depend on livestock products such as Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is among the largest producers of beef meet in the world because of the extensive livestock projects in the country. However, effective production in the country is limited by the prevalence of infertility cases among the livestock. In addition, most farmers in Saudi Arabia rely on the traditional approaches of livestock, which hinders effective disease prevention and cure in the livestock. Livestock farming in Saudi Arabia entails cattle, sheep, camel and goat. The farmers supply their products to various industries in the country for processing and export. Most of the animal products in the country have poor quality because of the poor livestock production and upkeep techniques used by the farmers. Infertility among livestock in Saudi Arabia limits the growth of the farming sector in the country. In addition, the Saudi Arabian government is implementing various initiatives to control the rate of infertility in the country (Al-Khamees, 2010). Deficiency of particular minerals in the diet of the livestock leads to infertility conditions. Selenium and Vitamin E are essential elements that are essential in controlling infertility in livestock in various countries across the world. The minerals and vitamins are incorporated in different animal feeds in order to promote hormonal balance and strength of the uterus (Andrews, 2004). Deficiency of Vit E and se in the livestock causes Brucellosis in the livestock, which leads to infertility. In this case, the animals fail to retain the pregnancy for the normal period. Moreover, the occurrence of stillbirths among the animals increases rapidly because of the effects of the disease on the animals reproductive system. Cases of infertility due to Brucellosis effects in Saudi Arabia are on the rise because of the poor agricultural techniques used in the country. The initiatives to introduce modern techniques of farming in Saudi Arabia are essential in resolving the issue of infertility in animals in the country. The animals affected by infertility in Saudi Arabia include sheep, Camels and cattle. The study utilises a qualitative approach to examine the infertility risk factors posed by deficiency in cattle, sheep and camels in the country. The research will be carried out in two main regions in the countries where infertility cases are prevalent in order to identify its causes and effects on the economy. The study furthers establishes the appropriate measures for resolving infertility cases in the livestock in Saudi Arabia. The amounts of selenium and Vitamin E in the animals are examined in various animals with reproduction issues. The control test involves animals that are on selenium and Vitamin diet and injections (Gupta, 2011). Literature Review Vitamin E and Selenium are crucial at various stages of the reproduction cycle in animals such as gestation, breeding, foetus survival and lactation. In addition, the elements influence on the strength of the offspring’s immune system in various animals such as cows, sheep, goats and Carmel. Both selenium and vitamin E are micronutrients that are crucial in development and production in animals (Rushton, 2009). The micronutrients function as antioxidants in various animals, which promotes reproduction and effective development of foetus and offspring. The biological membranes of the animal cells have phospholipids that are prone to oxidation breakdown. The oxidation breakdown of the phospholipids in the animal cell membranes causes impairment of the cell function and integrity (Gupta, 2011). The antioxidant nature vitamin E helps in minimising the level of phospholipids breakdown to hyperperoxide lipids and hydrogen peroxide in the cell membrane. The action of vitamin E is essential in promoting the strength of the cell membrane in animals (Rushton, 2009). In addition, the antioxidant action of the vitamin is crucial in limiting the effects of phospholipids on the functionality and integrity of the animal cell membrane. The hydrogen peroxide and hyperperoxide formed during the oxidation process destroys the integrity and function of the cell membrane (Gupta, 2011). The cell membrane is the main protective component of the cell in living things. The cell membrane protects the cells from external damage and interference that is essential in enhancing the strength of the cells. On the other hand, selenium forms a core part of Glutathione peroxidise enzyme that is crucial in destroying hydrogen peroxide and hyperperoxide lipids in the cell membrane (Rushton, 2009). The action of the enzyme is essential is preventing the destruction of the cell membranes due to oxidative processes. All the body cells are protected from loss and breakdown by the action of vitamin E and selenium in the animal body. Protection of the immune system’s cells is essential in enhancing the resistance of a particular animal to infections such as Brucellosis (Haynes, 2001). Immunodeficiency in animals occurs because of the destruction of the immune system’s cells, which depends on the functionality, and integrity of the cell membrane. Destruction of the cell membranes exposes the immune cells to external forces such as bacteria and viruses. Supplementation of the animal feeds with vitamin E and selenium promotes immunocompetence by improving the defence system of the antibody-mediated host and the cellular systems in animals (Haynes, 2001). Factors that lead to Deficiency of Selenium and Vitamin E The various factors that contribute to the lack of the selenium and vitamin E in animals include feeding levels, stability and availability of the natural sources of the nutrients. The levels of selenium in the soil tend to reduce with an increase in intensive grain production. Consequently, the natural sources of vitamin E become unstable due to the effects of oxygen, heat, mycotoxins, moisture and oxidizing agents (Haynes, 2001). Additionally, losses in the levels of natural vitamin E range from 10 to 60% in areas with intensive grain production (Gupta, 2011). On the other hand, intensive production of livestock for the purposes of feed conversion, faster grain and increased production of milk increases the metabolic demand for vitamin E and selenium. In this case, the production of grains and livestock intensively leads to the natural demand for vitamin E and selenium, which promotes their deficiency. Other factors that contribute deficiency of vitamin E and selenium in the nature and feeds include restricted practices of feeding and various diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, it impairs intestinal absorption of the two nutrients (Haynes, 2001). Deficiency of selenium and vitamin has various effects in animals such as infertility and lack of strong immune system (Gupta, 2011). The signs of the deficiency of the minerals in cattle differ from those of other farm animals because the environment of ruminant minimises the absorption of the selenium dietary (Gupta, 2012). The deficiency of selenium and vitamin E in the nutrients of the animals relate to the increase in the incidences of cystic ovaries, retained placenta and mastitis in sheep, cattle and goats. The deficiency of the nutrients in farm animals causes an increase in the occurrence of stillbirths and production of weak offspring (Andrews, 2004). Infertility among animals is common in various parts of Saudi Arabia because of the feeding technique of livestock in the country. Most farmers in the country embrace the tradition approaches of livestock farming that limits the use of modern medical technology for treatment and prevention of certain diseases in livestock. In addition, the nomadic lifestyle of animal farmers contributes greatly to an increase in the rate of infections in animals in the country (Gupta, 2011). The government of Saudi Arabia has initiated various projects to optimise production in the animal sector. The rate of infertility in Camels and cattle is the highest in Saudi Arabia because of the nature of feeding and breeding the farmers use. According to research, cow and camels are more prone to infection than goats in a particular environment. Existing literature on infertility in farm animals in Saudi Arabia is mainly caused by deficiencies in Vitamin E and selenium (Al-Khamees, 2010). Farmers in the country practice intensive animal farming, which leads to scarcity of the nutrients in the soil. In addition, the two nutrients cannot be availed through animal feeds because farmers in Saudi Arabia rely on the tradition feeding methods (Thompson, 1997). The farmers also practice intensive feeding of the livestock on the limited vegetation, which contributes in depleting the minerals and micronutrients in the environment (Gupta, 2012). A research on the levels of selenium and vitamin E in nomadic livestock indicates minimal results are implying that most animals in the country have deficiencies in vitamin D and selenium (Garnsworthy, 2013). Deficiency in vitamin E and selenium is common in dairy cows in Saudi Arabia because of their vulnerability. Research indicates that the agricultural authorities in the country spend a lot of money in catering for the demand of fertility related infections in the rural areas of the country. In addition, the feeding techniques used by the farmers in the rural areas expose the cattle to poor dietary, which results in infertility issues in the animals. Deficiency of vitamin E and selenium in various animals in Saudi Arabia is caused by several factors. First, the animal feeding criterion in the country is mainly based on the traditional approaches that limit evaluation of the nutritional contents in a particular feed. The traditional animal feeding process focuses on providing the animals with adequate feeds without a reliable evaluation of the minerals. This feeding system hinders initiatives of providing the animals with feeds that contain balanced nutrients. Secondly, farmers in the country practice intensive breeding and production of livestock based on the traditional approaches, which promotes depletion of the natural source of vitamin E and selenium (Thompson, 1997). The tradition animal production relies on the natural sources of various nutrients such as selenium and vitamin E which are deplected. Intensive animal farming causes a reduction of the minerals in the environment, which reflects on the animal’s body (Gupta, 2011). Third, the classic production approaches used by animal farmers in Saudi Arabia limit the application of modern farming techniques such as disease prevention and control (Andrews, 2004). Deficiency of the selenium and vitamin E in the animals is not diagnosed which limits the supplementation process. The government of Saudi Arabia implements various initiatives to enhance production in the livestock sector such as the introduction of modern approaches to animal farming and training of farmers regarding various aspects of animal framing. The government implements the initiatives through the Department of Animal Resources (Thompson, 1997). The department focuses on promoting animal farming in the country based on the modern techniques. In addition, it educates farmers on various aspects of modern farming techniques in animal production, which are crucial in enhancing production and economic conditions of the farmers. The department of animal resources intends to accomplish its objectives by training farmers on the modern approaches to animal farming and conducting substantial research in the area of animal framing (Gupta, 2012). The research contributes to the development of new approaches to animal farming in Saudi Arabia. Research at the department of animal resources encompasses two aspects, which include animal production and animal health (Thompson, 1997). The prevalence of production and health cases in Saudi Arabia leads to the loss of many animal resources, which affects the economy of the country. In addition, research on animal production is essential because it promotes identification of infertility risk factors in animals such as deficiency in vitamin E and selenium (Gupta, 2011). According to research, deficiency of selenium and vitamin E in various animals is relatively high in rural areas of the country. In addition, the country faces one of the highest animal production crises due to the high infertility rates in animals. Evaluation of the levels of selenium and vitamin E in the animal feeds and the natural sources is essential to establishing the infertility risk factors due deficiency of the two nutrients. In addition, the examination of the levels of Se and Vit e in animals is essential is establishing the relationship between high infertility rates and deficiency of the nutrients in animals (Andrews, 2004). Statement of the Problem Vitamin E and selenium deficiency in cattle in Saudi Arabia contributes to the high rates of infertility among animals in the country. Examination of the levels of selenium and vitamin E in the cattle in different parts of the country is essential to establishing the infertility risks factors of deficiency of the nutrients in animals. In addition, examination of the amount of the nutrients in the natural and processed animal feeds promotes identification of the risk factors of infertility due the deficiency of vitamin E and selenium in animals. The population of Saudi Arabia practices animal farming based on the traditional approaches, which hinder effective analysis of the nutritional composition of the animal feed (Al-Khamees, 2010). In addition, the country ranks among the highest economies, which faces the reproduction crisis in animal farming due high infertility rates in various animals. Various factors might be contributing to the high infertility levels in animals in the country. However, deficiency of selenium and vitamin E is viewed as the major contributing factor of infertility in various animals in the country. Research that is based on epidemiological evaluation is essential is determining the infertility risk factors of vitamin E and selenium deficiency in animals across the country. Research Objective The main objective of the research is to establish the infertility risks factors of deficiency in vitamin E and selenium in various animals in Saudi Arabia. The objective of the research is accomplished by conducting an epidemiological evaluation of the amount of selenium and vitamin E in animals and feeds in the rural areas of Saudi Arabia. The other objectives of the research include the following: 1. Epidemiological evaluation of the amount of Selenium and vitamin E in the animals in Saudi Arabia 2. Determination of the effects of deficiency of vitamin E and selenium on the fertility level in animals 3. To determine how the farming methods contribute to enhancing selenium and vitamin E deficiency in various animals Saudi Arabia. 4. Design of the Study An epidemiological study will be conducted on cattle in various regions in Saudi Arabia to determine the prevalence of infertility in the animals. In addition, blood samples drawn from different animals in the regions will be examined to determine the level of vitamin E and Se in the animals. A research questionnaire will also be given to the animal farmers in the specific region in order to establish the relationship between infertility and levels of selenium in the cattle. The epidemiological study will be conducted on a group of 500 cattle drawn from the specified regions in the country. In addition, the research questionnaires will be provided to the farmers of the animals, which will participate in the research. The criterion will help to establish an accurate correlation between infertility and deficiency of vitamin E and Selenium in the cattle. The questionnaires aim at determining the symptoms of infertility in various animals and the farmers’ perception of its causes. In addition, it will help in establishing the prevalence of infertility among animals in Saudi Arabia. The plasma and blood tests will help in determining the level of selenium and vitamin E in the animals participating in the research. Research Setting The research will be conducted in four regions of the country, which include Khobar, Yanbu, Abha, Arar and Qatif. The towns are located in the rural areas of the country, which provides an appropriate avenue to access the rural farmers in the respective towns. In addition, the research will be conducted on 500 cattle, which will be drawn from the four regions based on the prevalence of infertility. Some farmers in Qatif practice modern farming techniques, which will provide a reliable avenue for comparing the level of selenium and vitamin E in the animals. The research participants will include owners of the cattle participating in the research in order to enhance the accuracy of the research outcome. The farmers will acquire the questionnaires from the research team directly or from the research centre in Qatif. This freedom will enable the farmers to create adequate time for answering the questionnaires. Additionally, farmers will be requested to select an appropriate time and location for answering filling out the questionnaire. The researchers will guarantee the farmers regarding the confidentiality of the information provided. In addition, the research schedule will consider the time for various religious and cultural events in order to promote ethical practices. The process of obtaining blood and plasma samples from the animals will observe various ethical factors. First, qualified veterinary officers will obtain blood and plasma samples after the farmer are given the safety measures and risks of the action. Moreover, the farmers will be updated regarding the outcome of the plasma and blood tests for their animals. Schedule The study will take three months in order to obtain accurate results and promote ethical considerations. The study will entail three phases, which include the provision of the questionnaires to the farmers, examination of the conditions of the animals and conducting plasma and blood tests on the animals. Some of the activities will be conducted simultaneously in order to facilitate time consciousness and meet the deadlines. Table 1: The Research Schedule Time Activity March 1st-15th March 15th -31 April 1st- 20th April 20th -30th May 1st-10th Surveillance of the Regions Meeting with Farmers Distribution of the Questionnaires Examination of the Animals Plasma and Blood Tests Conclusion The research will focus on determining the infertility risk factors of selenium and vitamin E deficiency in cattle in four regions across Saudi Arabia. The farmers will obtain adequate information regarding various aspects of the research in order to promote ethical practices. The research’s outcome will help the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia to establish measures for enhancing vit E and selenium supplements in the animal feeds. References Al-Khamees, M. 2010. Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia country paper, [online] 1(2). Available at: http://ilri.org/infoserv/Webpub/fulldocs/wana/saudi.htm. Andrews, A. 2004. Bovine medicine. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Science/Iowa State Press. Garnsworthy, P. 2013. Nutrition and lactation in the dairy cow. Gupta, R. 2011. Reproductive and developmental toxicology. London: Academic Press. Gupta, R. 2012. Veterinary toxicology. Oxford: Academic. Haynes, N. 2001. Keeping livestock healthy. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books. Rushton, J. 2009. The economics of animal health and production. Wallingford, UK: CABI. Thompson, E. 1997. Global agenda for livestock research. Aleppo, Syria: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. Read More