Selenium (Se) - horses
Definition
Selenium is an important antioxidant to, among other things, prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, selenium supports muscle function, the effect of vitamin E and protects the muscle fibre from damage.
Selenium also plays a role in growth hormones.
Importance
A selenium deficiency can cause pale, weak muscles in foals and reduced resistance, reduced growth, stiffness, or lethargy. A selenium deficiency occurs regularly since soil often contains little selenium.
An excess of selenium is very toxic.
However, the margin between too much and too little is very small, which is why it is important to only add extra selenium when the food actually appears to contain too little selenium.
