PREVENTION OF NUTRITIONAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN CALVES AND LAMBS BY SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E ADDITIONS TO THE MATERNAL MINERAL SUPPLEMENT

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Abstract
Nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) was prevented in suckling beef calves and lambs by the inclusion of selenium (14.8 ppm) and vitamin E (2,700 IU/kg) in the mineral supplement of their selenium-deficient dams. The fortified mineral supplement was provided for the latter two-thirds of gestation and for the 1st mo of lactation. Three to four mo after withdrawal of selenium supplementation, selenium levels in the cow and ewe milk, and in the kidney, liver, muscle and blood of the calves, ewes and lambs were comparable to published values for selenium-deficient animals. During the selenium supplementation period, the blood and milk selenium concentrations of the cows and ewes, and blood selenium levels of their offspring were well within normal ranges for animals raised in Canada and other countries. Thus, the method was effective against dystrophy and there was no evidence that it resulted in any abnormal selenium residues. The use of selenium plus vitamin E in mineral supplements is an economical, convenient and practical method for preventing NMD in ruminants. Its general use in Canada on a veterinary prescription basis, as required, appears indicated, pending clearance for the addition of selenium to ruminant supplements and rations.

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