Effect of selenium supplementation on the performance of ewes from hill sheep systems

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral that when deficient, has been associated with increased disease evidence in sheep. Selenium deficient areas are widespread in UK and Ireland affecting, soils, forages and consequently livestock. Se supplementation of ewes throughout pregnancy has been reported to reduce peri-natal lamb mortality and improve lamb growth rates (Muñoz et al., 2005). The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of long term Se supplementation of adult ewes within a range of hill sheep systems.