Effects of L-selenomethionine supplementation on nutrient digestibility and metabolism, antioxidant capacity, hormone levels, and fecal microbiota diversity in pregnant Yili mares during mid- to late gestation.
Abstract: L-selenomethionine (L-SeMet), a highly bioavailable organic form of selenium, plays a critical role in maintaining antioxidant homeostasis, regulating reproductive hormone secretion, and improving intestinal microbial ecology. Previous studies have demonstrated that appropriate supplementation with L-SeMet can significantly enhance the production performance and health status of ruminants. However, the nutritional regulatory mechanisms and physiological effects of L-SeMet in monogastric herbivores, particularly horses during mid- to late gestation, remain inadequately understood. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of different levels of L-SeMet supplementation on nutrient digestibility and metabolism, antioxidant capacity, reproductive hormone profiles, and fecal microbiota diversity in pregnant Yili mares. The results showed that selenium (L-SeMet) supplementation at 0.4, 0.6, or 0.8 mg Se mare⁻¹ day⁻¹ significantly increased apparent crude protein digestibility and serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in pregnant mares compared with controls. Compared with the control group, the 0.6 and 0.8 mg Se mare⁻¹ day⁻¹ groups exhibited significantly higher neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, nitrogen metabolism rate, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) activity, progesterone, and estradiol levels, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary estrone levels were reduced. Fecal microbiota analysis further revealed an increased relative abundance of methanogens and Actinobacteriota, particularly in the 0.6 mg Se mare⁻¹ day⁻¹ group. Functional predictions indicated enrichment of microbial metabolic pathways related to carbohydrates and energy metabolism. Collectively, these findings indicate that selenium supplementation (provided as L-SeMet) enhances nutrient utilization, antioxidant defenses, and the endocrine milieu during pregnancy, with 0.6–0.8 mg Se mare⁻¹ day⁻¹ appearing to confer the broadest benefits; dose optimization and long term outcomes warrant further investigation.
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Overview
This study examined how supplementing pregnant Yili mares with L-selenomethionine, an organic selenium source, affects their nutrient digestion, metabolism, antioxidant capacity, hormone levels, and gut microbiota during mid- to late gestation.
The research found that L-selenomethionine improves protein digestibility, antioxidant enzyme activity, reproductive hormones, and beneficial gut microbial populations, with doses of 0.6–0.8 mg selenium per mare per day providing the most comprehensive benefits.
Background and Purpose
L-selenomethionine (L-SeMet) is a highly bioavailable organic form of selenium important for:
Maintaining antioxidant balance in the body
Regulating secretion of reproductive hormones
Enhancing gut microbial health and diversity
Previous research has shown beneficial effects of L-SeMet supplementation in ruminant animals but its impact on monogastric herbivores like horses, especially during pregnancy, is not well known.
This study aimed to fill that knowledge gap by investigating the effects of various doses of L-SeMet on several physiological and metabolic parameters in pregnant Yili mares between mid- and late gestation stages.
Methods
Pregnant Yili mares were supplemented daily with L-SeMet at doses of 0.4, 0.6, or 0.8 mg selenium per mare.
Fecal microbiota diversity and composition via microbial sequencing and functional pathway prediction
Key Findings
Nutrient Digestibility and Metabolism:
All L-SeMet doses significantly increased crude protein digestibility compared to controls.
Higher doses (0.6 and 0.8 mg) also improved neutral detergent fiber digestibility and nitrogen metabolism rate.
Antioxidant Capacity:
Serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was elevated with all supplementation levels.
At 0.6 and 0.8 mg doses, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and catalase (CAT) activity were significantly higher, indicating enhanced antioxidant defenses.
Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, were reduced, particularly in higher dose groups.
Hormonal Effects:
Progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly increased with 0.6 and 0.8 mg Se supplementation, suggesting improved reproductive hormone regulation during gestation.
Urinary estrone, another estrogen form, was decreased in supplemented mares, possibly reflecting hormonal balance adjustments.
Gut Microbiota Changes:
The relative abundance of methanogens (microbes producing methane) and Actinobacteriota (a phylum containing many beneficial microbes) increased, most prominently at the 0.6 mg Se level.
Functional prediction analyses indicated enhanced microbial carbohydrate and energy metabolism pathways, suggesting improved gut microbial functionality.
Interpretation and Implications
L-selenomethionine supplementation positively influences multiple interconnected systems in pregnant mares:
Improved nutrient digestion ensures better nutrient availability for both mare and developing fetus.
Enhanced antioxidant capacity helps reduce oxidative stress, which is particularly important during pregnancy due to increased metabolic demands.
Hormonal improvements may support better reproductive health and fetal development.
Shifts in gut microbial populations and function suggest a healthier intestinal ecosystem that may contribute to overall wellbeing.
The findings support the use of 0.6 to 0.8 mg Se per mare per day as effective supplementation levels during mid- to late gestation.
Further research is needed to optimize dosing strategies and evaluate long-term effects on mare and foal health.
Cite This Article
APA
Li M, Lin J, Ma C, Wei G, Hu Q, Li X.
(2026).
Effects of L-selenomethionine supplementation on nutrient digestibility and metabolism, antioxidant capacity, hormone levels, and fecal microbiota diversity in pregnant Yili mares during mid- to late gestation.
BMC Vet Res, 22(1), 181.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-026-05366-2
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China.
Lin, Jianwei
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China.
Ma, Chaoyu
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China.
Wei, Guoqiang
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China.
Hu, Qingsong
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China.
Li, Xiaobin
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivore Nutrition for Meat & Milk, Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, 830052, China. 172387243@qq.com.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: All animal procedures conducted in this study strictly followed the guidelines for the ethical treatment of animals in scientific research. The entire experimental protocol was reviewed and approved by the Animal Experiment Ethics Committee of Xinjiang Agricultural University (Permit Number: 2020024). Before the commencement of the study, all pregnant mare owners were thoroughly informed of the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study. They voluntarily signed informed consent forms, agreeing to the inclusion of their animals in the research. All efforts were made to ensure the welfare and humane treatment of the animals throughout the experimental period. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
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