OSU Extension research in Selenium Supplementation Strategies for Livestock in Oregon

selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral for livestock. Selenium deficiencies have been described in many species, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, white-tailed deer, and elk. Clinical Se deficiency can cause nutritional myodegeneration, also known as white muscle disease. White muscle disease was first discovered in Oregon in 1958 by Dr. James Oldfield and others at Oregon State University. The disease is characterized by muscle weakness, heart failure, unthriftiness (failure to grow or put on weight), and death. Se deficiency also causes effects that are not immediately observable and result in poor livestock performance (read more by downloading full report)