Some of the main results of Quantomics EU project : CNV detection and GWA analysis in the Italian Brown Swiss dairy cattle

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are veryimportant trace mineral for animals andhuman health. Selenium is an essential constituent of the antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px,while I as a thyroid hormone play a crucial rolein regulating body metabolism. The aim of thisstudy was to provide preliminary data on theSe and I status of two camel breeds (Majaheemand Maghateer:Camelus dromedaries) raisedunder the semi intensive system in SaudiArabia (SA). Ten Majaheem male camels andten maghateer, age 1.5±0.5 yrs old, wereslaughtered and blood and tissues (liver, kidney and meat) were collected. Blood serumsamples were analyzed for Se, thyroxine (T4),triiodothyronine (T3), glucose, cholesterol,true protein and albumin. Tissues sampleswere wet digested and analyzed for Se levelusing Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.Results showed a significant breed effect onserum and tissues Se with higher concentration of Majaheem compared with Maghateerbreed. The same trend was found for glucoseand total protein. Furthermore, serum Se wassignificantly correlated with liver Se (r2=0.698;P<0.01), meat Se (r2=0.453; P<0.05), T3(r2=0.527; P<0.05) and T4 (r2=0.476; P<0.05).Thyroxine was significantly correlated to T3(r2=0.693; P<0.01). In conclusion, a highly significant breedeffect was reported for Se metabolism. Thehighest Se concentration occurs in kidney followed by liver and meat.