Selenium for dairy and beef cattle

Swagat Mohapatra; Surinder Singh Chauhan

Chapter 7 Selenium for dairy and beef cattle

In: Selenium in ruminant nutrition and health

Authors:

Swagat Mohapatra

Swagat Mohapatra School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne Melbourne 3010 Australia
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Bhubaneswar-751003 India

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Surinder Singh Chauhan

Surinder Singh Chauhan School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne Melbourne 3010 Australia

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 409–432

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.3920/9789004698697_008

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Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of dairy cattle. Selenium is required in small amounts for various physiological processes in the body, including antioxidant defense, immune function, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Adequate Se levels are required for optimal ovarian function, embryonic development, and fetal growth. Selenium deficiency has been linked to reduced fertility rates, early embryonic death, and stillbirths. Similarly, Se is an important nutrient for immune system function in dairy cattle. Adequate Se levels are required for the production and function of white blood cells, which help protect against infections and diseases such as mastitis which is a common infection of the udder in dairy cattle. Selenium helps prevent mastitis by supporting the immune system and reducing oxidative stress, which can damage udder tissue. Adequate Se levels are also required for optimal milk production and quality in dairy cattle. Selenium deficiency has been linked to reduced milk yield, lower milk fat content, and increased somatic cell counts (SCC), which can decrease milk quality and increase the risk of mastitis. Selenium is a trace mineral that is not produced by the body, so it must be obtained through the diet. Dairy cattle that are fed diets deficient in selenium are at risk of developing health problems related to selenium deficiency. Supplementing selenium in the diet of dairy cattle can help prevent or alleviate these health problems. The amount of selenium needed for optimal health depends on several factors, including the animal’s age, sex, weight, and reproductive status, as well as the selenium content of the feed. Supranutritional supplementation of selenium can be beneficial in dairy cattle under certain circumstances, such as during times of stress or illness when the animal’s selenium requirements may be increased. Recent research has shown that supranutritional supplementation of selenium can improve immune function and reduce the incidence of mastitis and other infectious diseases in dairy cattle. While inorganic form of Se (selenate or selenite) is usually less expensive, the organic forms of selenium (selenomethionine or selenocysteine) are generally considered to be more bioavailable and better absorbed by the body than inorganic forms. They are also less likely to cause toxicity at high doses, making them a safer option for supplementation.

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Selenium in ruminant nutrition and health

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004698697

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 07 May 2024

Subjects
- Life Sciences
  - Animal & Veterinary

Front Matter

Part 1 Molecular mechanisms of Se action

Part 2 Selenium deficiency and metabolism

Part 3 Selenium in ruminant nutrition

Part 4 Practical applications of Se

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Chapter 7 Selenium for dairy and beef cattle

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Selenium in ruminant nutrition and health

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