Trace amounts of selenium (0.1-0.3 ppm) are added to the diet to prevent deficiency diseases such as white muscle disease in cattle and sheep, hepatosis dietetica in pigs, and exudative diathesis in chickens. Beef cattle only require 0.1 parts per million (ppm) of Se in the total diet (not the mineral supplement).
Selenium and vitamin E have similar metabolic activities. There are several modalities of selenium supplementation in cattle. Naturally occurring seleno-amino acids in plants are readily absorbed and inserted into proteins in place of their corresponding sulfur-containing … Walsh T, Fleming GA, O'Connor R & Sweeney A (1951) Selenium toxicity … Twomey T, Crinion RAP & Glazier DB (1977) Selenium toxicity in cattle in Co. Meath. Subacute muscular dystrophy, also known as white muscle disease, is the most commonly seen form of selenium deficiency in calves. Our case study series will highlight these interesting cases to increase awareness among veterinary and diagnostic communities. It is weak and reluctant to move.
This can occur when the wrong selenium preparation is used for injection and with over generous administration. Chronic selenium poisoning usually develops when livestock consume seleniferous forages and grains containing 5–50 ppm of selenium for many weeks or months, although chronic exposure to high concentrations of inorganic selenium can also produce chronic selenosis. Rec., 126, 601. Selenium Toxicity Selenium is essential for cattle, however too much selenium can be toxic. Selenium exists naturally in the soil, varying in concentration across different geographical regions. It is required for growth and to aid resistance to diseases, being involved in the production of antibodies and in the killing of micro-organisms engulfed by macrophages. Selenium functions as both a toxin and an essential element. Irish Vet. Directions For Use. Excessive selenium supplementation can lead to toxicity. As part of the process for weaning, a group of 400 … Kyle R & Allen WM (1990) Accidental selenium poisoning of a flock of sheep. Acute selenium poisoning may be produced in lambs given a single injection of 5 mg of selenium. MU-SE Caution. Selenium is one of the most toxic of the trace elements. Nearly all plants accumulate selenium from the soil; however some plants, known as selenium accumulators, require a large amount of selenium to grow. The calf may stand and move stiffly. Selenium toxicity, which occurs primarily in cattle and sheep grazing on alkali soils in the West, is called "blind staggers," alkali disease, or forage poisoning. Nearly all plants accumulate selenium from the soil; however some plants, known as selenium accumulators, require a large amount of selenium to grow. The availability of selenium in sufficient quantities in the diet ensures the proper functioning of the immune and reproduction systems. Selenium deficiency has direct or indirect negative effects on growth, production and health of cattle. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Selenium toxicity. The toxic dose of selenium by injection for both cattle and sheep is in the region of 1 mg/kg. Although plants in some parts of the country can contain toxic levels of Se, forages grown in many parts of the country do not contain adequate levels of Se for optimum animal performance.
Cases of toxicity in cattle can be due to overdosing of selenium supplements, providing more than one selenium-containing supplement at the same time when animals already have high levels from their environment.
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