Milk Levels of Selenium and Vitamin E Related to Nutritional Muscular Dystrophy in the Suckling Lamb

Abstract

Se, as Na2SeO2, was added to ewes' rations containing raw and autoclaved kidney beans to compare bean-heating effect on utilization of Se in preventing nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) in suckling lambs. Ration effects on digestibility, milk production, milk composition and daily lamb intake of Se and vitamin E were examined. Observations were also made on distribution of 75Se in lamb tissues in relation to treatment effects. Supplemental Se and heat treatment of beans reduced the incidence of NMD. Autoclaving increased the apparent digestion of bean Se, as well as increasing milk production and daily milk yield of Se and vitamin E. Addition of Se appeared to reduce milk fat but no other treatment effects on major chemical components were noted. 75Se consumed in the ewes' milk was distributed in lamb tissue in approximately equal proportion due to treatments, with the possible exception of the pancreas.