Severe Selenium Deficiency

Selenium is one of at least 17 essential minerals needed in animal diets. It is a part of several essential enzyme systems that provide vital human and animal health benefits as an antioxidant in physiological processes. The scientists at the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Lab hypothesized that selenium deficiency in Georgia soils and forages could be more severe than what has been perceived so far. In response, they conducted a survey of selenium contents of soils and forages in Georgia. The results provided solid evidence of severe selenium deficiency in both soils and forages, regardless of geographical regions, and soil and forage types. This vital information was incorporated in a UGA Cooperative Extension publication to help researchers, Extension educators, forage producers and animal entrepreneurs to better manage selenium deficiency. Combating selenium deficiency with a holistic vision into the soil-plant-animal systems through an appropriate research and education program would support a healthy and productive animal industry as well as offer tremendous human health benefits such as increased immunity, prevention of cancers and/or delayed progression of cancers, and others.