Is selenium source important?  

Despite an industry-wide understanding of the importance of selenium in livestock diets, there is still some confusion with respect to understanding the differences between inorganic and organic sources of this trace element. While inorganic sodium selenite has historically been the most common source of selenium added to feed, organic forms of selenium have been found to be more effective, resulting in an increased number of live young per animal, stimulation of the animal’s immune function, overall improvements in animal health and an enhanced shelf life for meat, milk and eggs. However, there are multiple types of organic selenium sources available, adding to the complexities for producers as they navigate their purchasing options.

A re-released and amended white paper from Dr. Richard Murphy at Alltech, entitled “Organic selenium: A comparison of form, source and function”, explores this complex area and aims to increase our understanding of the differences which exist between selenium sources, enabling producers to make a more informed decision with respect to choosing the right selenium source for their business.

Have questions? Would you like to speak with one of our team members?

Contact the Alltech® Mineral Management Team at KnowYourMinerals@Alltech.com