Fixing Selenium Defficiency

Studies have shown that when deficient animals are supplemented with long acting selenium they increased their greasy fleece weight without increasing the fibre diameter.

The flow on effects of a reduced immune function should not be underestimated.

The resultant increased susceptibility to internal parasites will directly affect profit – internal parasitism causes 3-5% lower body weights, 10% less wool production and an average of a 3% discount on fleece value in Merinos (MLA, 2022).

There are various cost effective options for supplementation in the form of pasture topping, rumen boluses or injectable.

The method of supplementation will change from property to property depending on what will suit that flock best.

If deficiency is diagnosed by your vet, a supplementation program would then be created in consultation.

While supplementation is easy – it is important to only supplement if you have a diagnosed deficiency.

Giving long-acting selenium products to sheep that aren’t deficient risks toxicity as well being an unrewarding cost, as there is little evidence that supplementing sheep that are not deficient would provide any improvement in performance or immune function.

The biggest misconception is that short acting products (like the selenium that is in vaccinations such as 6in1 and included in drenches) is effective when faced with true selenium deficiency.

Short acting selenium lasts for 3 months and is not adequate when faced with marked selenium deficiency.

Please seek advice from your vet before using any long-acting products.

If you would like further information or to chat about any animal health issues, please feel free to contact your local District Veterinarians:

Em Johnstone (0419 334 077) or Evie Duggan (0427 147 939)