Selenium Deficiency

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found throughout the body. It is important in many key functions associated with antioxidant activity, including fertility, udder health and immunity.

Cows need selenium as an aid in protection against disease, to produce a healthy calf and to successfully re-breed. Selenium is added to feeds in Australia as the levels seen in pasture and other feed ingredients can be extremely low and variable in many parts of the country.

Signs of marginal and/or deficient selenium status in cattle and calves include poor reproductive efficiency including retained placenta, high milk somatic cell counts, reduced resistance to disease, weak or stillborn calves, white muscle disease and poor growth rates.