Volume 76 (2026) Issue: 2026 No#3

Effects of β-carotene and selenopyran supplementation on neonatal performance and colostrum composition in gilts

Author(s): Aleksandra V. Petrović, Marijana V. Kovačić, Vesna Lj. Ilić, Jelica D. Grujić-Milanović, Irina S. Maslovarić, Natalija P. Fratrić, Branislav M. Stanković

Keywords:gilts; β-carotene; selenopyran; colostral whey proteins; immunoglobulin G; oxidative stress.

Colostrum quality is a key factor influencing neonatal survival, passive transfer of immunity, and early postnatal development in pigs. This study evaluated the effects of β-carotene (Carofertin®) and selenopyran supplementation on neonatal performance, colostral protein profile, and oxidative stress parameters in gilts. Thirty gilts were allocated to three groups (n=10 each): control, β-carotene-treated (CF), and selenopyran-treated (SE). Colostrum samples collected immediately after farrowing were analyzed using digital Brix refractometry, agarose protein electrophoresis (APE), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and oxidative stress assays. Total protein concentration, γ-globulin concentration, and proteins corresponding to immunoglobulin G (IgG) were determined. Redox status was assessed by measuring total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Piglets from the CF group had significantly higher birth weight (1.29 ± 0.19 kg) compared with both the control (p < 0.001) and SE groups (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were observed among groups in total colostral protein concentration, γ-globulin concentration determined by APE, or IgG concentration determined by SDS-PAGE. Strong positive correlations were found between Brix values and total protein, γ-globulin, and IgG concentrations in the control and SE groups (ρ=0.657–0.936; p<0.05). The CF group showed significantly higher TOS and OSI values and lower TAC values than the control and SE groups (p<0.01), indicating increased oxidative stress. In contrast, selenopyran supplementation maintained oxidative homeostasis without affecting colostral protein composition. These findings suggest that β-carotene and selenopyran exert distinct effects on neonatal performance and oxidative status in gilts.