Selenium deficiency and animal health
Selenium deficiency and health
Since 1957, Schwartz and Flotz were the first to confirm that selenium can prevent liver necrosis and support the growth and biological functions of humans and animals. Over the past 50 years, research on selenium biology has grown significantly, and today, scientists have a deeper understanding of its role and mechanisms in living organisms. In 1973, the World Health Organization recognized selenium as an essential trace element for human and animal life. Proper intake of selenium is crucial for maintaining good health, as it plays a vital role in various physiological processes. A deficiency in selenium can lead to numerous health issues, making it one of the key factors contributing to diseases in both humans and animals.
1.1 Selenium deficiency and animal health
When livestock and poultry lack sufficient selenium, several serious conditions may develop. These include:
(1) White muscle disease: This condition primarily affects lambs, yaks, and piglets. It involves degeneration and necrosis of skeletal and heart muscles, leading to pale or whitish muscles. Affected animals often show signs such as swollen livers with a rough surface and a "betel nut-like" appearance. The disease is named for the light-colored, cooked-meat-like appearance of the affected muscles.
(2) Horse endemic proteinuria: This is a selenium-deficiency-related illness in horses, characterized by muscle swelling, weakness, and brown mucus. Pathological changes include damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs, along with edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis in the heart and skeletal muscles.
(3) Camel "swing disease": This disorder affects camels, causing movement problems. Symptoms include stiff hindquarters, difficulty walking, and swaying gait. Affected camels may fall easily, especially when turning sharply, and show muscle tremors and head tilting.
(4) Yak "big belly disease": This condition occurs mainly in yaks and is marked by abdominal distension due to diarrhea, heart failure, and pneumonia. Although similar to white muscle disease, it presents more severe heart failure and often leads to complications like pneumonia and pleurisy.
(5) Exudative diathesis in chicks: This is a local selenium deficiency disease in young chickens, characterized by subcutaneous edema. Fluids from the edematous areas appear yellow or light blue. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as diarrhea, anemia, and lethargy may occur, eventually leading to death. Embryos may also suffer from neck edema, reducing hatching rates.
In addition to these major conditions, selenium deficiency can cause diarrhea in young animals, mastitis in cows, reproductive issues, miscarriages, colibacillosis, "mulberry heart" in pigs, reduced fertility, embryo loss, weakened immunity, lower survival rates, and slower growth in livestock and poultry. Ensuring adequate selenium levels is therefore essential for maintaining the health and productivity of animals.
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