Increased Selenium Dosage Boosts Growth and Immunity in Lambs

Sheep given supplements of organic selenium above United States government recommendations showed improved growth, weight and immunity, according to new research at Oregon State University.
In a new study published in the Journal of Animal Science, OSU researchers show that maximum selenium levels permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may be too low for sheep to reach optimum growth and health.
Co-author of the study and Oregon State University animal science asst professor Dr. Gerd Bobe shares the best results were with those ewes that were given organic selenium supplementation five times higher than the FDA’s allowed level.
Bobe: “What we found was that the animals that were given five times allowed permitted level of selenium had actually 15 percent greater survival in year two in the lambs. And also the lambs gained more weight -- in year one at weaning 6.2 pounds more weight and then in year two 4.3 pounds more weight.”
Dr. Bobe says that this study confirms what other OSU selenium research has shown
Bobe: “That current regulations are probably too much on the conservative side. That higher concentration can be applied with minimum toxicity.”
He adds that the organic form of selenium seems safer and is able to be applied at higher levels than inorganic form in livestock.