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Full Research Article

Effect of Combination of Selenium-Vitamin E with Ascorbic Acid on Physiological Aspects and Some Biochemical Blood Characteristics of Awassi Lambs 

M
Mumtaz M.M. Kasha1
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1693-0424
M
Muneer Salim Al-Badrany2
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3914-1156
M
Mozhir K.K. Almahdawi3
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4008-3106
H
Hawraa F.H. AL-Abedi1,*
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9667-0890
1Department of Biology, Collage of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Al-Hamdaniya, Al-Hamdaniya, Nineveh, Iraq.
2AlNoor University, Nineveh, Iraq.
3Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.

ABSTRACT

Background: Mineral elements, particularly trace ones, are essential for the function of the body’s internal organs and have a significant positive impact on the health and effectiveness of animal production and physiological processes. The study examined the effects of supplementing lambs with ascorbic acid, vitamin E and selenium on haematological and physiological markers as well as carcass quality.

Methods: One group was used as control. Each of the four groups of thirteen Awassi lambs received different amounts of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, or a combination of these.

Result: The average weights, netting percentage, thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer and hematological characteristics of the treatment and control groups differed significantly, according to the study. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were all considerably greater in the therapy group. On the other hand, the control group’s mean globular haemoglobin and corpuscular volume were much smaller.

INTRODUCTION

The preparing rations of the farm animals with mineral elements depend on some factors including the characteristics and soil elements content of minerals and growth period of pastoral plants. As well as, the minerals shortage of forage plants causes weakened growth decline of production performance and high death percentage of farm animals (Mazokopakis and Protopapadakis, 2007). The growth in various pastoral environments in world suffers from lack in selenium for content of its composition. Therefore, it is necessary to equip ruminants’ rations with selenium to meet their needs of this mineral element (Flohé  et al., 2000). Selenium is an essential element for animal rations and has several functions, including antioxidation, protecting cells from oxidation and maintaining immune system (Sarah, 2007). Therefore, it is necessary for growth, reproduction and maintenance of body tissues as it participates in metabolic reactions in cells and body tissues (Boldižárová  et al., 2005). The lack of selenium in the feed lambs causes white striated muscle disease, diarrhea, wool fall, decline in live weight and a decrease in fertility of ewes (Díaz-Sánchez,  2017). Several studies (Kasha et al., 2021) had been noted that supplementing of selenium for farm animal was an important factor to find how to increase the animal production in quality and quantity. Some nutrients which were added in components of diets or in drinking water because of their impact on improving health and immune system efficiency in animals had positive effects on raising levels of animal productivity. Among the imported additives to animal diets, vitamins very necessary to maintain growth, reproduction and animal safety participating as catalyst in metabolic reactions. And among vitamins, vitamin E    necessary to meet the needs for body cells in order to carry out their vital activities (Al-Janabi et al., 2023). Many synthetic selenium compounds with biological activity have been created in recent years and their therapeutic effects on animal models of mental illnesses and degenerative diseases have been investigated. The seleno-compound3-[(4-chlorophenyl)-selanyl]-1-methyl-1H-indole (CMI), for example, has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and buffer oxidative stress in the brains of post- septicemice with psychological issues including sadness, anxiety and cognitive impairment (Karthik et al., 2024). It improves immune activity, general health, some hematological parameters and reproductive efficiency of animals when added to diet (Ghanem et al., 2016). While (Ghanem et al., 2016) pointed out the important of adding selenium and vitamin E in growth ration of lambs to improve physiological and vital features (body temperature, respiratory rate and heartbeat) to normal state (Qureshi et al., 2017). Indicated that feeding ewes on rations containing 0.30 mg selenium/kg ration and 50 mg vitamin E/kg ration led to a significant decrease of respiratory speed and heart pulse compared with ewes fed on control diet. In a study in Awassi sheep, Aljumaily et al., (2020) observed that sheep with given the 4 ml-level mixture had a significantly higher blood glucose level (P<0.05) than those with  given the mixture at the level of 2 ml. Al-Dhari and Waleed  (2021) found a significant improvement in erythrocytes count RBC and PCV in Awassi lambs groups that received diets supplemented with 0.40 mg selenium/kg dry matter, or 100 mg vitamin E/kg dry matter or a mixture diet of (0.40 mg selenium + 100 mg vitamin E/kg dry matter) compared with standard group. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress which is produced by increased formation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals, damages biological macromolecules and disturbs bodys regular metabolic activities (Marai et al., 2006). Pointed out that selenium is needed for regeneration of bones, synthesis of wool and preservation of healthy epithelial tissue. The is believed selenium to play essential role in preventing degenerative illnesses such as cancer, inflammatory conditions and neurological ailments. Moreover, it is essential for replenishing normal production of wool, normal bone growth and normal epithelial tissue maintenance. Conversely, excessive selenium intake causes toxicity (Neville et al., 2008). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selenium, vitamin E, ascorbic acid (Vit. C) and their combination on some carcass traits, vital and physiological indices and blood parameters of Awassi lambs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental animals
 
The experiment was conducted in local farm sheep in Al-Hamdaniya District, Ninevah, on Thirty males of Awassi lambs with age of 5-6 months old and 27-28 kg body weight. The lambs were split up into five similar groups, each consisting of six lambs. All experimental groups fed on basal diets (Table 1) according to NRC, (2001). The first group (control) was supplemented orally with 5 mL of standard saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride), the second group received orally 2.5 mg selenium for twice weekly, the third group was drenched of 250 mg Vitamin E were twice weekly, the fourth group received orally 500 mg of vitamin C and the fifth group received of orally 5 ml a combination mixture (2.5 mg selenium + 250 mg vitamin E +500 mg vitamin C) twice weekly. The lambs were housed in semi shaded well-ventilated pen. The basal diet was introduced to all lambs. Free access to fresh water and mineral blocks was always available and lambs were served twice a day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The lambs were placed under veterinary care throughout the whole study and the experiment lasted for 3 months. All lambs were grazing daily at rate of 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening in natural pastures. The lambs body weights were measured at the start of experiment and biweekly thereafter, in addition during the whole study we calculated rectal temperature, number of heart beats per minute and respiratory rate per minute of all lambs. Hematological and blood biochemical indices were calculated at the end of experiment before lambs slaughter. All lambs had their blood samples collected via jugular vein by using 10 ml plastic disposable syringe. About 5 ml blood sample obtained from each lambs by using two vacationer tubes at last of saponification period before the time of slaughter. On one hand an amount of 2.5 ml was of blood samples put in vacutainer tubes containing anticoagulant ethylene diamine tetra acidic (EDTA) and transported to the laboratory for hematological analysis which included, total erythrocytes count (RBC) and total leukocyte (WBC) counts by using Hemocytometer as described by (Terry et al., 2022), as well as the Sahli method for estimating hemoglobin concentration (Hb) (Shams et al., 2012). Packed cells volume (PCV%) was calculated by using stacking method according to Shams El-Din et al., (2012). Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined according to Wendy, (2025) method. On the other hand, the second part of blood samples about 2.5 ml, was drawn and placed in plastic tubes free of anticoagulants (EDTA). Then put into a centrifuge for 15 minutes at a speed of 3000 rpm for obtaining blood serum and then the blood serum samples were stored in a freezer at -20°C until performed analysis (Numan et al., 2000) until biochemical analysis which included (total protein, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides and blood glucose) by using a commercial analytical kits (Biolabomeriex, France). Blood glucose concentrations was measured by using commercial kit (Biolabomeriex, France) according manufacturer’s instructions and by automatic spectro photometer. Alanine amino transferase enzyme (ALT) and Aspartate amino transferase (AST) were estimated by using a spectrophotometer (German made).

Table 1: Effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on carcass characteristics of awassi lambs.


 
Slaughtering process and carcass characteristics
 
All lambs were starved for 12 hours at end of experiment period. The lambs were weighed before slaughter. The skinning and carcass cleaning process was carried out after slaughter process and the weights of hot carcasses were recorded, the carcasses were subsequently chilled for 18 hours at 4°C and then the weight was recorded as cold carcass weight. The netting percentage was computed using the live weight of each animal at slaughtering (Kim, 2023 and Michael et al., 2018). The cross-section area of the longissimus dorsi muscle (rib eye area) and fat thickness at 12th/13th ribs were measured after 18 h chilling at 4°C. The rib eye area was measured by sketching muscle area on a clear graph paper and computing number of squares of rib eye area. Fat thickness above 12th rib was measured with an ordinary transparent ruler according to Jingjing et al., (2023).
 
Statistical analysis
 
The Statistical analysis of slaughter data and hematological and biochemical characteristics of blood and physiological vital features of awassi lambs were analysis by using of complete randomized design (CRD) (AL-Zubaidy and AL-Falahy (2016). This study was carried out by using the SAS program (SAS, 2012). Duncan test multiple range (Duncan,1955) was used to test significance of differences between means of the studied attributes.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Carcass characteristics
 
The results of carcass characteristics (Table 1) showed a significant improvement (P£0.01) in both hot and cold carcass weights in the treated groups compared to the control group. The average hot carcass weights were 20.90, 24.54, 25.24, 25.71 and 25.73 kg, while the average cold carcass weights were 20.51, 24.17, 24.66, 25.32 and 25.34 kg, respectively. The results also showed a statistically significant improvement (P≤0.01) in dressing percentage in the treated groups compared to the control group, with the highest dressing percentage recorded for the fifth treated group. The explanation of significant superiority in treated groups than control could be attributed to significant superiority in final weights before lambs slaughtering which resulted a significant increase in average of hot weight and cold of carcass and the substantial positive correlation coefficient (0.95%) between final weight of lambs and hot, cold carcasses weights. The result pointed out that third group (vit. E treatment) gave a superiority rate of dressing percentage than second and fourth treatments, also showed a highly significant (P≤0.01) increase on rates of eye area which reached their values 12.00, 11.30, 13.33 and 14.30 cm2 in treated groups (selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and combination) in contrast to 9.00 cm2 in control group. On the other hand, the results of experiment showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in average subcutaneous thickness of fatty layer for treated groups which reached 4.50, 4.00, 3.36 and 3.03 mm respectively compared to 5.66 mm in control. The explanation of significant superiority in treated groups than control could be attributed to significant superiority in final weights before lambs slaughtering which resulted in a significant increase in average of hot and cold weight of carcasses and in the substantial positive correlation coefficient (0.95%) between final weight of lambs and hot, cold carcasses weights (Al-Taie and Almahdawi, 2021). Furthermore, the result in Table 1 pointed out that the third group (vit. E treatment) showed a superior rate of dressing percentage than second and fourth treatments and this increase is probably due to the fact that the lambs were given vitamin E, which led to increased rumen bacteria activity of and which helped to improve nutrient compound digestion coefficients. This likely activated the absorption and nutrient metabolism processes in animal body tissues and was reflected into increased weights of both hot and cold carcasses. On one hand, the significant increase of rib eye area is likely due to a significant increase for the weights of hot and cold lamb’s carcasses for treated groups compared to control group. On other hands the significant decrease (P≤0.05) was observed in levels of fat thickness in treated groups compared to control group. This decrease may be caused by an inverse relationship between increase of muscle weights at expense of increased fat weight and a significant increase in weights of hot and cold carcasses for treated groups which was negatively reflected and resulted in a significant decrease of the subcutaneous fatty layer thickness (Mahmood et al., 2018). These findings concurred with those of Mahmood et al., (2018), who discovered a notable rise in the rates of hot and cold carcass weights for awassi lamb groups that received varying doses of selenium (low, medium and high) in comparison to the control group. Additionally, the current study findings were consistent with those of Nawfal and Almahdawi (2020) investigation, which found that lambs given zinc and vitamin E doses showed significantly.  Higher heat and cold rates and carcass weights than the control group, Although the findings of this study disagreed with other studies, such as Netto et al., (2013), which verified that the mean values of hot and cold carcass weights for lamb groups treated and untreated with selenium did not change significantly. However, the result of dressing ratio agreed with Netto et al., (2013) who noticed variances differences in rates of dressing ratio calculated on basis of live weight of animals between lamb groups dosed with selenium compared to control group. On the other hand, the results agreed with findings of Nawfal and Almahdawi, (2020) and Hernandez-Calva  et al. (2013) who observed a significant effect of selenium and zinc on mean rib eye area of growing lambs. The hematological and biochemical parameters (Table 2) showed highly significant (P≤0.01) increase on average numbers of RBC values in lambs’ groups that were treated with selenium, vitamin E and their combination, if compared with control group. The result of WBC demonstrated a significant (P≤0.01) increase on selenium and combination groups compared to control one. The treated groups showed significant increase (P≤0.01) in Hb concentration than the control. However, mean values of MCHC decreased significantly (P≤0.01) in third and fifth groups when compared to control, while no significant differences were observed between second and fourth groups and control. Also, the results demonstrated a significant (P≤0.05) effect of dosing selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and combination of them on average of mean MCV values and mean MCH values in vit. A significant increase in numbers of RBC, WBC, Hb and PCV levels compared to control were attributed in favor of the fifth treatment lambs that were dosed with the mixture of (Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C). The results agreed with the observations of Ahmed et al., (2019) who found a significant increase on RBC, Hb concentration and PCV values in favor of growing Awassi lambs that were injected subcutaneously with different levels of a mixture consisting of selenium and vitamin E compared to control lambs. Also, this result was in agreement with results of Al-Dhari and Waleed (2021) who noticed significant differences on mean corpuscular hemoglobin between Awassi lambs treated with 100 mg vitamin E compared to control ones. Conversely to our results they showed a significant effect for dosing lambs with 0.40 mg selenium or a mixture of selenium and vitamin E in rations of the fattening Awassi lambs for periods of 90 days. As well as selenium is protected of vitamin E from oxidation which leads to an increase of proteins metabolism of body tissues and cells and thus an improvement in most of physiological hematological parameters and thus its effect reflected in improvement of health status of lambs (Sanchez et al., 2009). As for blood biochemical parameters, the statistical analysis presented in Table (3) showed a highly significant (P≤0.01) increase in total protein in favor of the third (Vitamin E) and fifth (Selenium + Vitamin E + Vitamin C) treatments than first group (control) and second (Selenium), fourth (vitamin C) treatments. The results of total blood protein concentrations were 6.50, 7.75, 8.25, 7.55 and 8.50 gm respectively. On the other hands the results of the current study showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in levels of cholesterol and triglycerides on treated groups compared to control. Cholesterol concentration rates were 107.50, 57.00, 65.00, 74.00 and 60.50 mg and triglycerides levels were 51.50, 43.00, 36.00, 40.50 and 31.00 mg for five treatments respectively. The significant decrease of cholesterol level in serum blood of lambs group that was given a mixture of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C was attributed to effectiveness of joint synergy between them in activating of metabolic processes.  As for the concentration of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), indicated a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in concentrations of ALT and AST enzymes in blood serum of Awassi lambs treated with selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and mixture when compared with control group. The rates of AST enzyme levels were 99.00, 117.50, 106.50, 84.50, 89.50 IU and ALT enzyme concentration rates of 44.50, 40.00, 33.00, 33.50, 27.00 IU/L blood serum for five treatments respectively. This result agreed with the findings of Ahmed et al., (2019) and Mahmoud et al., (2013) who noticed a significant increase in total protein concentration in growing Awassi lambs, or rams injected subcutaneously with different levels of mixture of selenium, vitamin E compared to control group. Biological features of lambs presented in Table (4) showed highly significant decrease (P≤0.01) in mean of heart beat and respiration rate at the experimental treated groups compared to the control group. The numbers of heartbeats were 87.04, 79.90, 64.39, 72.11 and 59.98 beats/min, whereas respiratory rates 63.98, 56.09, 47.65, 52.08 and 43.14 rates /min respectively. Also, we found a significant (P≤0.01) decrease in rectal temperature at 3rd and 5th treated groups compared with control, while the result showed arithmetic decrease in temperature rate between 2nd and 4th groups and control. This significant decrease in heart beat rate and respiratory rate for treated group for animals may be due to the role of supplementation of selenium, vitamins E, vitamin C and its combination which led to lowering of cortisol hormone in the blood. The authors attributed that reason for lack of a significant effect of selenium and zinc on the concentration of blood proteins in serum of Iraqi ewes to the fact that the presence of zinc and selenium prevents oxidation in cell membranes (Mutar et al., 2013), which stimulates an increase in levels of thyroid hormones which leads to an increase for concentrations of thyroid proteins (Jia et al., 2008). No significant effects were described albumin and globulin concentrations differences between all treatments. The results agreed with Hasan and Kamal (2020), who did not demonstrate any significant effects of injecting a mixture of selenium and vitamin E on albumin and globulin concentrations in blood serum of lambs. Cholesterol concentration was 107.50, 57.00, 65.00, 74.00 and 60.50 mg, whereas triglycerides concentration was 51.50, 43.00, 36.00, 40.50 and 31.00 mg for the five treatment groups, respectively. The significant decrease about cholesterol concentration in serum blood of lambs group that was given a mixture of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C were attributed to effectiveness of joint synergy among these elements in activating metabolic processes (El-Khashab  et al., 2018). Moreover, acts as an antioxidant and a decreases cholesterol concentration in serum blood. This result agreed with what was found by Ahmed et al., (2019) who noticed a significant decrease in concentration of cholesterol in favor of lambs group that was given a mixture of selenium and vitamin E compared with control lambs group, while the results did not agree with Mahmoud et al., (2013) had found a significant increase in concentration of cholesterol in blood serum of rams treated with a mixture of selenium and vitamin E compared to control group. Moreover, the results of current study do not agree with results of Ahmed et al., (2019) and of Hassan and Kamal, (2020) who did not find any significant differences in concentration of triglycerides between growing awassi lambs’ groups that were injected with different levels of the selenium and vitamin E mixture, if compared to the control lambs that were not injected with the mixture. As for the concentration of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in levels of ALT and AST enzymes in blood serum of Awassi lambs treated with selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and mixture was seen if compared with control group. This result did not agree what emerged in the three treatments in Chung et al., (2007) control, 0.25 ppm inorganic selenium, 0.25 ppm organic selenium, respectively. Also, this result disagreed with a study of Ahmed et al., (2019), who obtained no any significant effects on concentrations of AST and ALT enzymes in blood serum of karadi lambs when they were fed with additional 0.50 mg/kg selenium or 100 mg of zinc in their rations. The blood sugar levels reached 51.28, 54.43, 67.61, 54.46 and 70.34 mg for our five treatment groups respectively. The results did not agree with Ibrahim (2017) who did not find any significant effect on glucose level in blood of lambs injected with two levels of selenium and vitamin E mixture. Instead, Gamal et al., (2013) noticed a significant increase blood glucose level in ram groups that were injected with a mixture of selenium and vitamin E compared with control group. The obtained biological features of lambs in Table 4 agreed with the results El-Shahat and of Abdel (2011) and of Alhidary et al., (2012) who observed a significant decrease in respiration rate of goats which were injected with selenium and vitamin E after exposition to heat stress. Also, this result agreed with results of Al-Dhari and Waleed (2021) who found a significant decrease (P≤0.05) of heartbeat, respiratory rate and rectal temperature for lambs that were fed selenium-vitamin E compared to the control treatment (without dose). The secretion of cortisol hormone is one of the main signs of stimulating hypothalamus pituitary-adrenal axis as a physiological response by glands to confront state of body stress which directly affected to thyroid gland activity which causes a decrease in metabolism speed and in turn leads to reduction in energy resulting from food metabolism and therefore a significant decrease in respiratory rate and heartbeat rate appears (Al-Jabor, 2016). This may be attributed to the role of the hormone cortisol in regulating respiratory rate and heart rate during stress (Al-Shahat and Abdel Moneim, 2011). As for the decrease in rectal temperature of animals which treated  experimental groups compared to the control group, this is due to the fact that selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C directly affect the heat exchange process, as they work to reduce heat stress, which leads to the regulation of body temperature by reducing the production of prostaglandins, especially prostaglandin E, during heat stress, due to their direct effect on the heat exchange regulation area in the hypothalamus (Hassan and Kamal, 2020). The use of agricultural byproducts, medicinal herbs and their extracts as feed additives in ruminant feeding systems has increased recently (Salih et al., 2025). Their affordability is the main reason for this significant level of biologically active compounds, such as polyphenols like tannins and flavonoids, are found in agricultural by-products. The aforementioned substances have antibacterial qualities that boost animal immunity and reduce stress It has been discovered that medicinal herbs boost animal health and productivity (Salih et al., 2025). Animals are more susceptible to infections, deficiency disorders and consequent productive losses due to the additional stress of rapidly changing physiological status and hormonal profiles. Currently, a number of approaches are being tested to reduce periparturient stress, such as supplementing with various antioxidants (Ali et al., 2025). Two vital micronutrients that have a similar biological function as antioxidants are vitamin E and selenium (Se) (Ali et al., 2025). Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) are three trace elements whose deficiency can predispose sheep to various diseases (Sissaoui et al., 2026). It has been discovered that feeding ruminants moringa leaves improves their health and productivity (Rajbir et al., 2026). Because of its antioxidant and immune-modulating qualities, it has been linked to improved organ function and metabolic activity in goats and may increase production efficiency taking these advantages into account (Rajbir et al., 2026).

Table 2: Dossing effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on blood pictures of awassi lamb (mean±stander error).



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Table 3: Dossing effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on biochemical blood of awassi lambs.



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Table 4: Dossing effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on physiological and vital manifested of awassi lambs (mean±stander error).

CONCLUSION

We conclude from results of the current study a significant superiority for rates of hot and cold carcasses weights, rib eye muscle area, number of RBC, Hb, PCV and blood proteins for Awassi lambs that were fed with additions of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and their combination (Selenium and Vitamin E and vitamin C) compared to a control lamb group. On the other hand, the results of statistical analyses are noted a significant decrease in average concentrations of cholesterol, glucose, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), rectal temperature, number of heart beats and respiratory rate in favor of the experimental treatments groups compared to the control group (without dose).
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To Alnoor University, Mosul, Iraq (ANUI/2026/SCI01), we express our deepest thanks and appreciation for their support and assistance in performing this research.
 
Funding
 
The authors declare no funding of this study.
 
Authors’ contributions
 
Mumtaz M.M. Kasha: Conception and design of the study, wrote the first draft of the manuscript and design figures. Muneer salim Al-badrany: critically revised the manuscript, funding acquisition. Mozhir K.K. Almahdawi: Writing one of the topics and critically revising the manuscript. Hawraa F.H. AL-abedi: Writing one of the topics and critically revising the manuscript.
 
Ethical approval
 
Experimental animal: All applicable national and international guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. The Animal Welfare Committee of Mosul University-College of Veterinary Medicine, reference number UM.VET.2025.006, directed the ethical euthanasia of the samples after owner agreement.
 
Data availability
 
All data supporting the findings of this study are available within the manuscript. 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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    Full Research Article

    Effect of Combination of Selenium-Vitamin E with Ascorbic Acid on Physiological Aspects and Some Biochemical Blood Characteristics of Awassi Lambs 

    M
    Mumtaz M.M. Kasha1
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1693-0424
    M
    Muneer Salim Al-Badrany2
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3914-1156
    M
    Mozhir K.K. Almahdawi3
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4008-3106
    H
    Hawraa F.H. AL-Abedi1,*
    https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9667-0890
    1Department of Biology, Collage of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Al-Hamdaniya, Al-Hamdaniya, Nineveh, Iraq.
    2AlNoor University, Nineveh, Iraq.
    3Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Mineral elements, particularly trace ones, are essential for the function of the body’s internal organs and have a significant positive impact on the health and effectiveness of animal production and physiological processes. The study examined the effects of supplementing lambs with ascorbic acid, vitamin E and selenium on haematological and physiological markers as well as carcass quality.

    Methods: One group was used as control. Each of the four groups of thirteen Awassi lambs received different amounts of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, or a combination of these.

    Result: The average weights, netting percentage, thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer and hematological characteristics of the treatment and control groups differed significantly, according to the study. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were all considerably greater in the therapy group. On the other hand, the control group’s mean globular haemoglobin and corpuscular volume were much smaller.

    INTRODUCTION

    The preparing rations of the farm animals with mineral elements depend on some factors including the characteristics and soil elements content of minerals and growth period of pastoral plants. As well as, the minerals shortage of forage plants causes weakened growth decline of production performance and high death percentage of farm animals (Mazokopakis and Protopapadakis, 2007). The growth in various pastoral environments in world suffers from lack in selenium for content of its composition. Therefore, it is necessary to equip ruminants’ rations with selenium to meet their needs of this mineral element (Flohé  et al., 2000). Selenium is an essential element for animal rations and has several functions, including antioxidation, protecting cells from oxidation and maintaining immune system (Sarah, 2007). Therefore, it is necessary for growth, reproduction and maintenance of body tissues as it participates in metabolic reactions in cells and body tissues (Boldižárová  et al., 2005). The lack of selenium in the feed lambs causes white striated muscle disease, diarrhea, wool fall, decline in live weight and a decrease in fertility of ewes (Díaz-Sánchez,  2017). Several studies (Kasha et al., 2021) had been noted that supplementing of selenium for farm animal was an important factor to find how to increase the animal production in quality and quantity. Some nutrients which were added in components of diets or in drinking water because of their impact on improving health and immune system efficiency in animals had positive effects on raising levels of animal productivity. Among the imported additives to animal diets, vitamins very necessary to maintain growth, reproduction and animal safety participating as catalyst in metabolic reactions. And among vitamins, vitamin E    necessary to meet the needs for body cells in order to carry out their vital activities (Al-Janabi et al., 2023). Many synthetic selenium compounds with biological activity have been created in recent years and their therapeutic effects on animal models of mental illnesses and degenerative diseases have been investigated. The seleno-compound3-[(4-chlorophenyl)-selanyl]-1-methyl-1H-indole (CMI), for example, has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and buffer oxidative stress in the brains of post- septicemice with psychological issues including sadness, anxiety and cognitive impairment (Karthik et al., 2024). It improves immune activity, general health, some hematological parameters and reproductive efficiency of animals when added to diet (Ghanem et al., 2016). While (Ghanem et al., 2016) pointed out the important of adding selenium and vitamin E in growth ration of lambs to improve physiological and vital features (body temperature, respiratory rate and heartbeat) to normal state (Qureshi et al., 2017). Indicated that feeding ewes on rations containing 0.30 mg selenium/kg ration and 50 mg vitamin E/kg ration led to a significant decrease of respiratory speed and heart pulse compared with ewes fed on control diet. In a study in Awassi sheep, Aljumaily et al., (2020) observed that sheep with given the 4 ml-level mixture had a significantly higher blood glucose level (P<0.05) than those with  given the mixture at the level of 2 ml. Al-Dhari and Waleed  (2021) found a significant improvement in erythrocytes count RBC and PCV in Awassi lambs groups that received diets supplemented with 0.40 mg selenium/kg dry matter, or 100 mg vitamin E/kg dry matter or a mixture diet of (0.40 mg selenium + 100 mg vitamin E/kg dry matter) compared with standard group. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress which is produced by increased formation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals, damages biological macromolecules and disturbs bodys regular metabolic activities (Marai et al., 2006). Pointed out that selenium is needed for regeneration of bones, synthesis of wool and preservation of healthy epithelial tissue. The is believed selenium to play essential role in preventing degenerative illnesses such as cancer, inflammatory conditions and neurological ailments. Moreover, it is essential for replenishing normal production of wool, normal bone growth and normal epithelial tissue maintenance. Conversely, excessive selenium intake causes toxicity (Neville et al., 2008). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selenium, vitamin E, ascorbic acid (Vit. C) and their combination on some carcass traits, vital and physiological indices and blood parameters of Awassi lambs.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    Experimental animals
     
    The experiment was conducted in local farm sheep in Al-Hamdaniya District, Ninevah, on Thirty males of Awassi lambs with age of 5-6 months old and 27-28 kg body weight. The lambs were split up into five similar groups, each consisting of six lambs. All experimental groups fed on basal diets (Table 1) according to NRC, (2001). The first group (control) was supplemented orally with 5 mL of standard saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride), the second group received orally 2.5 mg selenium for twice weekly, the third group was drenched of 250 mg Vitamin E were twice weekly, the fourth group received orally 500 mg of vitamin C and the fifth group received of orally 5 ml a combination mixture (2.5 mg selenium + 250 mg vitamin E +500 mg vitamin C) twice weekly. The lambs were housed in semi shaded well-ventilated pen. The basal diet was introduced to all lambs. Free access to fresh water and mineral blocks was always available and lambs were served twice a day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The lambs were placed under veterinary care throughout the whole study and the experiment lasted for 3 months. All lambs were grazing daily at rate of 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening in natural pastures. The lambs body weights were measured at the start of experiment and biweekly thereafter, in addition during the whole study we calculated rectal temperature, number of heart beats per minute and respiratory rate per minute of all lambs. Hematological and blood biochemical indices were calculated at the end of experiment before lambs slaughter. All lambs had their blood samples collected via jugular vein by using 10 ml plastic disposable syringe. About 5 ml blood sample obtained from each lambs by using two vacationer tubes at last of saponification period before the time of slaughter. On one hand an amount of 2.5 ml was of blood samples put in vacutainer tubes containing anticoagulant ethylene diamine tetra acidic (EDTA) and transported to the laboratory for hematological analysis which included, total erythrocytes count (RBC) and total leukocyte (WBC) counts by using Hemocytometer as described by (Terry et al., 2022), as well as the Sahli method for estimating hemoglobin concentration (Hb) (Shams et al., 2012). Packed cells volume (PCV%) was calculated by using stacking method according to Shams El-Din et al., (2012). Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined according to Wendy, (2025) method. On the other hand, the second part of blood samples about 2.5 ml, was drawn and placed in plastic tubes free of anticoagulants (EDTA). Then put into a centrifuge for 15 minutes at a speed of 3000 rpm for obtaining blood serum and then the blood serum samples were stored in a freezer at -20°C until performed analysis (Numan et al., 2000) until biochemical analysis which included (total protein, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides and blood glucose) by using a commercial analytical kits (Biolabomeriex, France). Blood glucose concentrations was measured by using commercial kit (Biolabomeriex, France) according manufacturer’s instructions and by automatic spectro photometer. Alanine amino transferase enzyme (ALT) and Aspartate amino transferase (AST) were estimated by using a spectrophotometer (German made).

    Table 1: Effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on carcass characteristics of awassi lambs.


     
    Slaughtering process and carcass characteristics
     
    All lambs were starved for 12 hours at end of experiment period. The lambs were weighed before slaughter. The skinning and carcass cleaning process was carried out after slaughter process and the weights of hot carcasses were recorded, the carcasses were subsequently chilled for 18 hours at 4°C and then the weight was recorded as cold carcass weight. The netting percentage was computed using the live weight of each animal at slaughtering (Kim, 2023 and Michael et al., 2018). The cross-section area of the longissimus dorsi muscle (rib eye area) and fat thickness at 12th/13th ribs were measured after 18 h chilling at 4°C. The rib eye area was measured by sketching muscle area on a clear graph paper and computing number of squares of rib eye area. Fat thickness above 12th rib was measured with an ordinary transparent ruler according to Jingjing et al., (2023).
     
    Statistical analysis
     
    The Statistical analysis of slaughter data and hematological and biochemical characteristics of blood and physiological vital features of awassi lambs were analysis by using of complete randomized design (CRD) (AL-Zubaidy and AL-Falahy (2016). This study was carried out by using the SAS program (SAS, 2012). Duncan test multiple range (Duncan,1955) was used to test significance of differences between means of the studied attributes.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

    Carcass characteristics
     
    The results of carcass characteristics (Table 1) showed a significant improvement (P£0.01) in both hot and cold carcass weights in the treated groups compared to the control group. The average hot carcass weights were 20.90, 24.54, 25.24, 25.71 and 25.73 kg, while the average cold carcass weights were 20.51, 24.17, 24.66, 25.32 and 25.34 kg, respectively. The results also showed a statistically significant improvement (P≤0.01) in dressing percentage in the treated groups compared to the control group, with the highest dressing percentage recorded for the fifth treated group. The explanation of significant superiority in treated groups than control could be attributed to significant superiority in final weights before lambs slaughtering which resulted a significant increase in average of hot weight and cold of carcass and the substantial positive correlation coefficient (0.95%) between final weight of lambs and hot, cold carcasses weights. The result pointed out that third group (vit. E treatment) gave a superiority rate of dressing percentage than second and fourth treatments, also showed a highly significant (P≤0.01) increase on rates of eye area which reached their values 12.00, 11.30, 13.33 and 14.30 cm2 in treated groups (selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and combination) in contrast to 9.00 cm2 in control group. On the other hand, the results of experiment showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in average subcutaneous thickness of fatty layer for treated groups which reached 4.50, 4.00, 3.36 and 3.03 mm respectively compared to 5.66 mm in control. The explanation of significant superiority in treated groups than control could be attributed to significant superiority in final weights before lambs slaughtering which resulted in a significant increase in average of hot and cold weight of carcasses and in the substantial positive correlation coefficient (0.95%) between final weight of lambs and hot, cold carcasses weights (Al-Taie and Almahdawi, 2021). Furthermore, the result in Table 1 pointed out that the third group (vit. E treatment) showed a superior rate of dressing percentage than second and fourth treatments and this increase is probably due to the fact that the lambs were given vitamin E, which led to increased rumen bacteria activity of and which helped to improve nutrient compound digestion coefficients. This likely activated the absorption and nutrient metabolism processes in animal body tissues and was reflected into increased weights of both hot and cold carcasses. On one hand, the significant increase of rib eye area is likely due to a significant increase for the weights of hot and cold lamb’s carcasses for treated groups compared to control group. On other hands the significant decrease (P≤0.05) was observed in levels of fat thickness in treated groups compared to control group. This decrease may be caused by an inverse relationship between increase of muscle weights at expense of increased fat weight and a significant increase in weights of hot and cold carcasses for treated groups which was negatively reflected and resulted in a significant decrease of the subcutaneous fatty layer thickness (Mahmood et al., 2018). These findings concurred with those of Mahmood et al., (2018), who discovered a notable rise in the rates of hot and cold carcass weights for awassi lamb groups that received varying doses of selenium (low, medium and high) in comparison to the control group. Additionally, the current study findings were consistent with those of Nawfal and Almahdawi (2020) investigation, which found that lambs given zinc and vitamin E doses showed significantly.  Higher heat and cold rates and carcass weights than the control group, Although the findings of this study disagreed with other studies, such as Netto et al., (2013), which verified that the mean values of hot and cold carcass weights for lamb groups treated and untreated with selenium did not change significantly. However, the result of dressing ratio agreed with Netto et al., (2013) who noticed variances differences in rates of dressing ratio calculated on basis of live weight of animals between lamb groups dosed with selenium compared to control group. On the other hand, the results agreed with findings of Nawfal and Almahdawi, (2020) and Hernandez-Calva  et al. (2013) who observed a significant effect of selenium and zinc on mean rib eye area of growing lambs. The hematological and biochemical parameters (Table 2) showed highly significant (P≤0.01) increase on average numbers of RBC values in lambs’ groups that were treated with selenium, vitamin E and their combination, if compared with control group. The result of WBC demonstrated a significant (P≤0.01) increase on selenium and combination groups compared to control one. The treated groups showed significant increase (P≤0.01) in Hb concentration than the control. However, mean values of MCHC decreased significantly (P≤0.01) in third and fifth groups when compared to control, while no significant differences were observed between second and fourth groups and control. Also, the results demonstrated a significant (P≤0.05) effect of dosing selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and combination of them on average of mean MCV values and mean MCH values in vit. A significant increase in numbers of RBC, WBC, Hb and PCV levels compared to control were attributed in favor of the fifth treatment lambs that were dosed with the mixture of (Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C). The results agreed with the observations of Ahmed et al., (2019) who found a significant increase on RBC, Hb concentration and PCV values in favor of growing Awassi lambs that were injected subcutaneously with different levels of a mixture consisting of selenium and vitamin E compared to control lambs. Also, this result was in agreement with results of Al-Dhari and Waleed (2021) who noticed significant differences on mean corpuscular hemoglobin between Awassi lambs treated with 100 mg vitamin E compared to control ones. Conversely to our results they showed a significant effect for dosing lambs with 0.40 mg selenium or a mixture of selenium and vitamin E in rations of the fattening Awassi lambs for periods of 90 days. As well as selenium is protected of vitamin E from oxidation which leads to an increase of proteins metabolism of body tissues and cells and thus an improvement in most of physiological hematological parameters and thus its effect reflected in improvement of health status of lambs (Sanchez et al., 2009). As for blood biochemical parameters, the statistical analysis presented in Table (3) showed a highly significant (P≤0.01) increase in total protein in favor of the third (Vitamin E) and fifth (Selenium + Vitamin E + Vitamin C) treatments than first group (control) and second (Selenium), fourth (vitamin C) treatments. The results of total blood protein concentrations were 6.50, 7.75, 8.25, 7.55 and 8.50 gm respectively. On the other hands the results of the current study showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in levels of cholesterol and triglycerides on treated groups compared to control. Cholesterol concentration rates were 107.50, 57.00, 65.00, 74.00 and 60.50 mg and triglycerides levels were 51.50, 43.00, 36.00, 40.50 and 31.00 mg for five treatments respectively. The significant decrease of cholesterol level in serum blood of lambs group that was given a mixture of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C was attributed to effectiveness of joint synergy between them in activating of metabolic processes.  As for the concentration of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), indicated a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in concentrations of ALT and AST enzymes in blood serum of Awassi lambs treated with selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and mixture when compared with control group. The rates of AST enzyme levels were 99.00, 117.50, 106.50, 84.50, 89.50 IU and ALT enzyme concentration rates of 44.50, 40.00, 33.00, 33.50, 27.00 IU/L blood serum for five treatments respectively. This result agreed with the findings of Ahmed et al., (2019) and Mahmoud et al., (2013) who noticed a significant increase in total protein concentration in growing Awassi lambs, or rams injected subcutaneously with different levels of mixture of selenium, vitamin E compared to control group. Biological features of lambs presented in Table (4) showed highly significant decrease (P≤0.01) in mean of heart beat and respiration rate at the experimental treated groups compared to the control group. The numbers of heartbeats were 87.04, 79.90, 64.39, 72.11 and 59.98 beats/min, whereas respiratory rates 63.98, 56.09, 47.65, 52.08 and 43.14 rates /min respectively. Also, we found a significant (P≤0.01) decrease in rectal temperature at 3rd and 5th treated groups compared with control, while the result showed arithmetic decrease in temperature rate between 2nd and 4th groups and control. This significant decrease in heart beat rate and respiratory rate for treated group for animals may be due to the role of supplementation of selenium, vitamins E, vitamin C and its combination which led to lowering of cortisol hormone in the blood. The authors attributed that reason for lack of a significant effect of selenium and zinc on the concentration of blood proteins in serum of Iraqi ewes to the fact that the presence of zinc and selenium prevents oxidation in cell membranes (Mutar et al., 2013), which stimulates an increase in levels of thyroid hormones which leads to an increase for concentrations of thyroid proteins (Jia et al., 2008). No significant effects were described albumin and globulin concentrations differences between all treatments. The results agreed with Hasan and Kamal (2020), who did not demonstrate any significant effects of injecting a mixture of selenium and vitamin E on albumin and globulin concentrations in blood serum of lambs. Cholesterol concentration was 107.50, 57.00, 65.00, 74.00 and 60.50 mg, whereas triglycerides concentration was 51.50, 43.00, 36.00, 40.50 and 31.00 mg for the five treatment groups, respectively. The significant decrease about cholesterol concentration in serum blood of lambs group that was given a mixture of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C were attributed to effectiveness of joint synergy among these elements in activating metabolic processes (El-Khashab  et al., 2018). Moreover, acts as an antioxidant and a decreases cholesterol concentration in serum blood. This result agreed with what was found by Ahmed et al., (2019) who noticed a significant decrease in concentration of cholesterol in favor of lambs group that was given a mixture of selenium and vitamin E compared with control lambs group, while the results did not agree with Mahmoud et al., (2013) had found a significant increase in concentration of cholesterol in blood serum of rams treated with a mixture of selenium and vitamin E compared to control group. Moreover, the results of current study do not agree with results of Ahmed et al., (2019) and of Hassan and Kamal, (2020) who did not find any significant differences in concentration of triglycerides between growing awassi lambs’ groups that were injected with different levels of the selenium and vitamin E mixture, if compared to the control lambs that were not injected with the mixture. As for the concentration of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in levels of ALT and AST enzymes in blood serum of Awassi lambs treated with selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and mixture was seen if compared with control group. This result did not agree what emerged in the three treatments in Chung et al., (2007) control, 0.25 ppm inorganic selenium, 0.25 ppm organic selenium, respectively. Also, this result disagreed with a study of Ahmed et al., (2019), who obtained no any significant effects on concentrations of AST and ALT enzymes in blood serum of karadi lambs when they were fed with additional 0.50 mg/kg selenium or 100 mg of zinc in their rations. The blood sugar levels reached 51.28, 54.43, 67.61, 54.46 and 70.34 mg for our five treatment groups respectively. The results did not agree with Ibrahim (2017) who did not find any significant effect on glucose level in blood of lambs injected with two levels of selenium and vitamin E mixture. Instead, Gamal et al., (2013) noticed a significant increase blood glucose level in ram groups that were injected with a mixture of selenium and vitamin E compared with control group. The obtained biological features of lambs in Table 4 agreed with the results El-Shahat and of Abdel (2011) and of Alhidary et al., (2012) who observed a significant decrease in respiration rate of goats which were injected with selenium and vitamin E after exposition to heat stress. Also, this result agreed with results of Al-Dhari and Waleed (2021) who found a significant decrease (P≤0.05) of heartbeat, respiratory rate and rectal temperature for lambs that were fed selenium-vitamin E compared to the control treatment (without dose). The secretion of cortisol hormone is one of the main signs of stimulating hypothalamus pituitary-adrenal axis as a physiological response by glands to confront state of body stress which directly affected to thyroid gland activity which causes a decrease in metabolism speed and in turn leads to reduction in energy resulting from food metabolism and therefore a significant decrease in respiratory rate and heartbeat rate appears (Al-Jabor, 2016). This may be attributed to the role of the hormone cortisol in regulating respiratory rate and heart rate during stress (Al-Shahat and Abdel Moneim, 2011). As for the decrease in rectal temperature of animals which treated  experimental groups compared to the control group, this is due to the fact that selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C directly affect the heat exchange process, as they work to reduce heat stress, which leads to the regulation of body temperature by reducing the production of prostaglandins, especially prostaglandin E, during heat stress, due to their direct effect on the heat exchange regulation area in the hypothalamus (Hassan and Kamal, 2020). The use of agricultural byproducts, medicinal herbs and their extracts as feed additives in ruminant feeding systems has increased recently (Salih et al., 2025). Their affordability is the main reason for this significant level of biologically active compounds, such as polyphenols like tannins and flavonoids, are found in agricultural by-products. The aforementioned substances have antibacterial qualities that boost animal immunity and reduce stress It has been discovered that medicinal herbs boost animal health and productivity (Salih et al., 2025). Animals are more susceptible to infections, deficiency disorders and consequent productive losses due to the additional stress of rapidly changing physiological status and hormonal profiles. Currently, a number of approaches are being tested to reduce periparturient stress, such as supplementing with various antioxidants (Ali et al., 2025). Two vital micronutrients that have a similar biological function as antioxidants are vitamin E and selenium (Se) (Ali et al., 2025). Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) are three trace elements whose deficiency can predispose sheep to various diseases (Sissaoui et al., 2026). It has been discovered that feeding ruminants moringa leaves improves their health and productivity (Rajbir et al., 2026). Because of its antioxidant and immune-modulating qualities, it has been linked to improved organ function and metabolic activity in goats and may increase production efficiency taking these advantages into account (Rajbir et al., 2026).

    Table 2: Dossing effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on blood pictures of awassi lamb (mean±stander error).



    ​

    Table 3: Dossing effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on biochemical blood of awassi lambs.



    ​

    Table 4: Dossing effects of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and synergistic combination on physiological and vital manifested of awassi lambs (mean±stander error).

    CONCLUSION

    We conclude from results of the current study a significant superiority for rates of hot and cold carcasses weights, rib eye muscle area, number of RBC, Hb, PCV and blood proteins for Awassi lambs that were fed with additions of selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and their combination (Selenium and Vitamin E and vitamin C) compared to a control lamb group. On the other hand, the results of statistical analyses are noted a significant decrease in average concentrations of cholesterol, glucose, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), rectal temperature, number of heart beats and respiratory rate in favor of the experimental treatments groups compared to the control group (without dose).
     

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    To Alnoor University, Mosul, Iraq (ANUI/2026/SCI01), we express our deepest thanks and appreciation for their support and assistance in performing this research.
     
    Funding
     
    The authors declare no funding of this study.
     
    Authors’ contributions
     
    Mumtaz M.M. Kasha: Conception and design of the study, wrote the first draft of the manuscript and design figures. Muneer salim Al-badrany: critically revised the manuscript, funding acquisition. Mozhir K.K. Almahdawi: Writing one of the topics and critically revising the manuscript. Hawraa F.H. AL-abedi: Writing one of the topics and critically revising the manuscript.
     
    Ethical approval
     
    Experimental animal: All applicable national and international guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. The Animal Welfare Committee of Mosul University-College of Veterinary Medicine, reference number UM.VET.2025.006, directed the ethical euthanasia of the samples after owner agreement.
     
    Data availability
     
    All data supporting the findings of this study are available within the manuscript. 

    CONFLICT OF INTEREST

    The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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