Effect of selenium supplementation on reproductive performance and hormonal profile in buffalo heifers

Twenty Murrah buffalo heifers (18–36 months, 239.1± 16.5 kg) were divided into two groups (T₁ and T₂) and fed same concentrate mixture except that animals in T₂ were supplemented with 0.2 ppm of selenium through sodium selenite for a period of 120 days. Wheat straw was offered ad libitum to both groups. Blood samples were collected on day 0, 120 as well as whenever the heifers came into heat. It was found that the percentage of estrus (60 vs. 50) and conception rate (66.66 vs. 60) were higher in T₂ as compared to T₁. Selenium supplementation did not affect the age at first estrus and first service. However, the age at first conception (32.5 vs. 34 months) was reduced in Se supplemented group as compared to control group. Concentrations of estradiol-17β and progesterone were similar (P> 0.05) in both the groups. It was deduced that supplementation of 0.2 ppm Se had no effect on serum hormonal profile in buffalo heifers but had some improved reproductive functions.