The Effect of Selenium Containing Foodstuffs on Growth and Reproduction of Rats at Various Ages

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Abstract
White rats were placed on toxic wheat diets at ages varying from 21 to 186 days, and studied from the standpoint of growth, reproduction, and mortality. There is a rapid increase in resistance to the toxicant between the ages of 21 and 42 days. Animals placed on toxic diets at 21 days lost weight and died in less than 20 days, while rats which were placed on toxic diets at 42 days of age or older lived for more than 200 days in most cases. Rats which were able to survive on the toxic diets for relatively long periods of time showed subnormal growth and a distinct loss in reproductive powers. Matings in which both animals were fed toxic wheat were completely infertile. Matings in which one animal was normal were sometimes fertile, but affected females were unable to raise their young. The economic significance of the results was discussed.