Effect of inclusion of pentasulphate mixture and arsenic in diets given high level of selenium on feed intake and nutrient utilization in buffaloes

Abstract

Sixteen Murrah buffalo male calves were divided into 4 groups with 4 animals in each group, based on their body weight and age. The animals were fed on rations to supply 15% less of CP requirements as per NRC (2001).  All the animals were fed a basal diet (0.41 ppm Se) comprising of paddy straw, concentrate mixture and green maize (Control, group T₁). The animals in groups T₂, T₃ and T₄ were also supplemented with 10 ppm of Se in the form of sodium selenite after 60 d of feeding. Thereafter, animals were given supplementary arsenic (40 ppm of diet) in form of sodium arsenite and pentasulphate mixture (9 g/100 kg BW) in groups T₃ and T₄, respectively in addition to Se (10 ppm) being already given. After 85 days of feeding, a metabolism trial was conducted in order to determine DM intake, nutrient digestibility and balances of N and Se. DM Intake was similar in all the groups. Digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, EE, CF, NFE, NDF) and nitrogen retention was also not affected by dietary treatments to any significant extent, however, digestibility of CP and ADF was lower (P<0.05) in group T₂ compared to other groups. Supplementary pentasulphate mixture and As increased excretion of Se which paved the way for its less retention (P<0.01) in the body. Hence, supplementation of either pentasulphate mixture @ 9 g/100 kg BW or arsenic (40 ppm) to the diet already supplied with extra 10 ppm Se improved the digestibility of CP and ADF while reducing the Se load from the body considerably showing the positive effect of arsenic and pentasulphate supplementation in buffalo calves given high level of Se in paddy straw based rations.