Hyderabad Scientists Now Closer To Developing Immunity Boosting, Cancer Fighting Mutton

Scientists of Hyderabad's National Research Centre on Meat are in the final stages of developing immunity-boosting mutton. The project "Production of seleniumenriched functional meat through nutrient supplementation in sheep" will help fight cancer, infertility, dementia, low thyroid function and immunity-suppressing diseases.

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A senior scientist with the Centre, Dr P Baswa Reddy told TOI, "Through feed manipulation, we are producing immunity-boosting mutton. Sheep are given selenium-rich feed which in turn gets into the meat. The research is focused on ensuring this doesn't reach toxic levels but helps as dietary supplement."

Dietary selenium is an essential micro-nutrient that affects various aspects of human health, including optimal immune responses.

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Director of the National Research Centre on Meat, Dr S Vaithiyanathan, told TOI, "The project will be completed by March 2018. Scientists are working on results on the sheep."

According to scientists the project was sanctioned ?50.44 lakh with which an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) with hydride generator was purchased. After which, method development for selenium analysis in meat and feed samples with the help of the generator was done. Experimental animals (ram lambs) were purchased from the market through the purchase committee and were tested upon. Scientists said that animal feeding trial is in progress to evaluate different sources of Selenium Sodium Selenite, Selenomethionine and Selenium Yeast.

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Speaking about the role of selenium, Dr E Gowtham Reddy of Jubilee Hospitals in Alwal said, "Selenium is a potent nutritional antioxidant. It is 'trace mineral' required in tiny amounts by the body. There is evidence from basic and clinical studies in humans that indicates a protective role for dietary selenium in various types of cancer. The mineral plays a role in the production of brain chemicals - neurotransmitters. Some studies show that deficiency of selenium in the aged increased risk of dementia among them."