01/21/14, 10:43 AM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northern Michigan (U.P.)
Posts: 9,409
|
|
|
Selenium critical to pet goats, horses, and other livestock, say
Selenium critical to pet goats, horses, and other livestock, says OSU veterinarian
Monique Balas
The Oregonian
January 17, 2014
After treating a four-year-old pet Boer goat last week for severe selenium deficiency, veterinarians at Oregon State University's teaching hospital want to remind pet owners of the mineral's importance.
The goat, named Henry, suffered from white muscle disease, a degenerative muscle condition also known as nutritional myopathy, and could not walk or stand on his own. It's caused by a deficiency in either selenium or Vitamin E.
Selenium is a trace mineral found in the soil. It's an antioxidant and plays a critical role in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism and muscle cell health, working in synthesis with Vitamin E.
The Pacific Northwest soil contains very low amounts of it, so animals whose primary nutrition comes from pasture and locally grown hay or alfalfa should receive nutritional supplements.
Selenium deficiency is a common condition among goats, horses and other domesticated livestock, says Dr. Keith Poulsen, a board-certified large animal internal medicine specialist at OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine.
|
1Likes
