Improved Fetal Hair Follicle Development by Maternal Supplement of Selenium at Nano Size (Nano-Se)

The study investigated the effects of maternal dietary selenium (Nano-Se) on antioxidant status and hair follicle development in 110-day fetal skin from cashmere goats. Eighty goats were divided into two groups: one fed a basal diet and the other supplemented with 0.5 mg/kg Nano-Se. Results showed that the S group had significantly higher expression and activity of GSH-Px, IGF-1, and IGF-1R, and lower MDA levels. Additionally, IGF-1, Se, and T-AOC concentrations in fetal serum and skin, as well as fetal liver and kidney weights, were significantly increased in the S group. Although the number of primary hair follicles was similar between groups, the S group had significantly more secondary hair follicles and a higher secondary to primary follicle ratio. This indicated that Nano-Se supplementation promoted secondary follicle development, suggesting that maternal Nano-Se could enhance fetal hair follicle development and overall growth in cashmere goats.