Effect of sodium humate on the content of trace elements in organs of weaned piglets

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of a 21-day feeding of a diet with 1% inclusion of sodium humate (HNa) on the content of trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, cobalt) in tissues of weaned piglets, their efficiency and biochemical indicators. Significantly lower content of manganese in livers (P < 0.01) and kidneys (P < 0.05) was detected in piglets fed the 1% HNa supplemented diet in comparison with control, non-treated animals. The concentrations of selenium in blood serum (P < 0.05) and muscular tissue (P < 0.01) were significantly lower in experimental animals. Significantly higher daily body weight gain was detected in experimental piglets compared to control animals (0.303 vs. 0.258 kg, P < 0.05) and the feed conversion rate was increased by 6.4% (1.60 vs. 1.71 kg). Increased concentrations of blood serum glucose, triacylglycerols (P < 0.01), calcium and iron (P < 0.05) were detected in experimental vs. control piglets. The results of the present study indicated that despite a positive effect, sodium humate caused a decrease in concentration of physiologically important manganese and selenium in the tissues.