Selenium response in dairy cattle

Authors: Clark RG, Bewick TD, Tasker JB, Fraser AJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 8, pp 139-140, Aug 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Animal production/wastage, Reproduction, Diet/rations/food, Mammary gland/udder, Milk, Nutrition/metabolism, Reproduction - female, Selenium, Trace elements
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: We wish to report the findings of selenium (Se) response trials in three Taranaki factory supply dairy herds. Selenium is an essential trace element. Deficiency is common in New Zealand but the effects, while dramatic in sheep, are ill defined in adult cattle. The three farms, designated A,B, and C, were in a district believed to be marginally deficient in selenium. Six hundred and seventy two cows started the trials in spring 1985. Three cows in each herd were bled for glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) estimations before starting the trials. The mean values for Herds A, B, C were 0.90, 0.53 and 2.16 kU/l respectively. Each herd was split into two groups balanced for age, production index and calving date and then randomised. Group 1 received 500 mg Se as barium selenate by subcutaneous injection, approximately two weeks before the start of the breeding season. Group 2 were untreated controls. Blood samples were taken immediately before treatment and two-monthly thereafter for ten cows per group, to monitor blood Se and GSHPx levels during lactation. Production and breeding records were maintained and analysed at the end of lactation. Blood Se and GSHPx were measured in Herd B intermittently over the following 12 months…

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