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  Discussion on Selenium and reproductive health of mares
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 11, 1999 - 12:08 am:

I am in a known selenium deficient area ( the forage is low in selenium). What role does selenium play in reproduciton if any? Are there any articles that I could be referred to? A few breeders around here give selenium shots to breeding mares 10 days before breeding and I'm curious if there is any scientific evidence to support this practice. Most of our feeds are supplimented with low levels of selenium by the local feed mills. Thanks again

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 11, 1999 - 1:03 pm:

Here in the pacific northwest we are also Selinium
deficiant (to the point of non exsisance). I was
directed by my vet to suppliment with selinium &
Vit E (they work to gather similar to Calcium &
Phos). I know that Selinium plays a big role in
the muscles of the horse and appropriate levels
should be maintained in all horses but I have not
read anything that specifically relates it to
breeding, I have read that to accomplish
appropriate levels you can't just give a big dose
and let them ride on that for a while. It needs to
be a daily part of their diet.

Dr O what your take on this?
--

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 11, 1999 - 4:48 pm:

Hello Lucie and Emily,
Yes, there is no doubt that low selenium diets lower reproductive efficiency and if fact affects every cell in the body. It hurts the most metabolically active cells the most. Selenium and vitamin E work together to scavenge the caustic waste products inside a cell produced from routine metabolism. Because the two work together it is best to evaluate both. A deficiency of one can be partially compensated for by an increase of the other but they work best when botha re in proper concentration.

So check your selenium and vitamin E levels carefully and consider supplementing if low. Sources and supplementation guidelines for Se in foals and adults and vit E are given in the articles.
DrO
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