ASSESSMENT OF SELENIUM (Se) CONCENTRATION IN SELECTED ORGANS OF RANCH MINK (MUSTELA VISON)

The aim of the study was to determine selenium concentration in the liver, kidneys and spleen of ranch mink (Mustela vison) (n = 25). Selenium concentration in samples was de- termined spectrofluorimetrically using 2,3-diaminonaphtalene (DAN). Concentration of Se in the liver, kidneys and spleen averaged 0.38 ± 0.09, 1.18 ± 0.21 and 0.30 ± 0.07 μg · g -1 wet weight, respectively. Kidney Se concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in liver and spleen. In view of scarce literature data concerning selenium content in farmed mink organs and no ref- erence values it is difficult to conclude whether the Se levels obtained fall within the optimum range for these animals. Higher Se concentration in kidney than liver may indicate selenium defi- ciency. It seems necessary to continue research in order to establish reference values for this species.