Selenium is a trace element required in the diet of beef cattle. It is linked with vitamin E, which is essential for optimal growth, fertility and immune function.

Selenium deficiency symptoms include white muscle disease (muscular dystrophy), infertility, abortions, still births and may increase cases of retained placentas. It can cause death soon after birth due to damage of the heart muscle; older animals also suffer from muscle wasting becoming lame, weak, stiff and eventually die.

Selenium has a major impact on reproductive efficiency.

Selenium deficiencies generally result from low mineral levels in the pasture and often occur in environments that are sandy soils, acidic soils, sedentary or granite soils, high rain fall areas and clover dominance. Pasture supplements can affect the plants uptake of selenium, so deficiency can occur in animals where selenium is present.

To increase the fertility of your herd or to test selenium levels through a simple blood test contact us today.