Selenium deficiency: a widespread problem

Speaking at Alltech’s annual European Selenium Conference: “Selenium in
animal and human health – Nutrition inspired by nature”, the experts emphasised
the detrimental effect that this deficiency can have on health.”We hear that
selenium is important – that is not enough – it is essential” said Professor
Gerhard Schrauzer of the University of California, San Diego,
USA.

Potential solution
While speakers concurred that
selenium supplementation could provide a potential solution, inorganic selenium
salts are not the solution due to their low ‘bioavailabilty’ and sustainability
in the body. Research comparing organic selenium supplementation, in the form of
Sel-Plex®, (Alltech’s organic selenium produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM
I-3060) to selenite supplementation in the diets of ruminants, pigs and poultry
was presented.

“Compared to selenite, Sel-Plex resulted in an extra 4.5
chicks per hen. In breeders, Sel-Plex resulted in more uniform chick weights and
length. Over 36 trials in breeders, replacing selenite with Sel-Plex gave an
average of 35 g/bird more and FCR (Feed Conversion Rate) was reduced by 6
points” said Dr. Peter Spring, Swiss College of Agriculture,
Switzerland.

Pig diets
Irish consultant, Dr. Wallace
Henry, found similar results in pig diets, “Changing from selenite to Sel-Plex
in sow diets gives between 0.57 – 0.72 extra weaned pigs per annum – that’s 645
pigs per 1000 sows. Pigs from sows fed Sel-Plex are also heavier at weaning by
0.5 kg.”
“Cows fed Sel-Plex tend to produce a much greater amount of
seleno-protein P. In beef, Sel-Plex increases the GSH-Px in the tissue that
enhances oxidative stability”, according to Dr. Darren Juniper, Reading
University, UK.

Related website:
Alltech