Iodine status in ewes with the intake of iodine enriched alga Chlorella

The effect of increased intake of iodine at different selenium intake was studied in three groups of lambing ewes consisting of five animals and in their lambs for 76 days (from day 4 to day 80 post partum). Iodine in blood plasma, milk and urine was determined by a modified method according to Sandell-Kolthoff. Mineral supplement contained iodine and selenium in the form of I- or Se-enriched alga Chlorella. The content of iodine and selenium per 1 kg DM of experimental diet was as follows: group G1 0.7 mg I and 0.2 mg Se, group G2 0.7 mg I and 0.4 mg Se, group G3 1.3 mg I and 0.4 mg Se. The increased intake of iodine was not accompanied by an iodine increase in blood plasma until day 60 of lactation in connection with its high excretion into milk. The highest iodine content in milk was recorded on day 20 to 30 of lactation while there was a drop on day 60 of lactation. Iodine content in the blood plasma of lambs reflected iodine content in the milk of their mothers. The highest content of iodine in milk, blood plasma and urine was in the group with its highest intake (G3). Lower urinary output of iodine and higher iodine output in milk in lambing ewes of group G2 compared to group G1 document the higher retention and utilization of iodine in ewes with a higher supply of selenium. The average content of iodine in milk in group G1, G2 and G3 was as follows: 724.2 ± 485.3; 885.9 ± 460.6; and 1 126 ± 262.5 μg/l.