Selenium Benefits

Selenium is a mineral needed in all livestock for healthy development and prevention of disease. Selenium is found in high amounts in plants grown in soil high in the substance. Trace element supplements are available if you live in area that has low amounts of selenium in the soil.

  1. Types

    • There are several forms of selenium found in the soil: selenate, selenite, elemental and organic selenium. Plants easily absorb selenate and selenite.

    Identification

    • Samples from a local, natural water source will tell you how much selenium is available. There are also indicator plants such as milk vetch, woody aster, salt bush and goldenweed.

    Function

    • The main function of selenium in the body is to keep cell membranes and proteins safe from chemicals created during metabolism.

    Significance

    • Without sufficient amounts of selenium in the body livestock will fail to thrive, be infertile, develop white muscle disease and have compromised immune systems.

    Warning

    • Selenosis, selenium toxicity, is lethal in livestock. You will need to monitor the daily total intake of selenium to avoid toxic levels.