Selenium (Se34 79) is a metalloid which is close to sulfur (S) in terms of properties. The Se concentration in soil varies with type, texture and organic matter content of the soil and with rainfall. Its assimilation by plants is influenced by the physico-chemical properties of the soil (redox status, pH and microbial activity). The presence of Se in the atmosphere is linked to natural and anthropogenic activities. Selenoproteins, in which selenium is present as selenocysteine, present an important role in many body functions, such as antioxidant defense and the formation of thyroid hormones. Some selenoprotein metabolites play a role in cancer prevention. In the immune system, selenium stimulates antibody formation and activity of helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells. The mechanisms of intestinal absorption of selenium differ depending on the chemical form of the element. Selenium is mainly absorbed in the duodenum and caecum by active transport through a sodium pump. The recommended daily intake of selenium varies from 60 μg/day for women, to 70 μg/day for men. In growing ruminants the requirements are estimated at 100 μg/kg dry matter and 200 μg/Kg for pregnant or lactating females. A deficiency can cause reproductive disorders in humans and animals.

This review article examines the role of selenium (Se) and the effects of Se supplementation especially in the bovine species. Selenium is an important trace element in cattle. Some of its roles include the participation in the antioxidant defense the cattle farms. The nutritional requirements of Se in cattle are estimated at 100 μg/kg DM (dry matter) for beef cattle and at 300 μg/kg DM for dairy cows. The rations high in fermentable carbohydrates, nitrates, sulfates, calcium or hydrogen cyanide negatively influence the organism’s use of the selenium contained in the diet. The Se supplementation may reduce the incidence of metritis and ovarian cysts during the postpartum period. The increase in fertility when adding Se is attributed to the reduction of the embryonic death during the first month of gestation. A use of organic Se in feed would provide a better transfer of Se in calves relative to mineral Se supplementation. The addition of Se yeasts in the foodstuffs of cows significantly increases the Se content and the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in milk compared to the addition of sodium selenite. The enzyme 5-iodothyronine deiodinase is a seleno-dependent selenoprotein. It is one of the last proteins to be affected in the event of Se deficiency. This delay in response could explain the fact that several studies did not show the effect of Se supplementation on growth and weight gain of calves. Enrichment of Se in the diet did not significantly affect the slaughter weight and carcass yield of bulls. The impact and results of Se supplementation in cattle depend on physiological stage, Se status of animals, type and content of Se and types of Se administration. Further studies in Se supplementation should investigate the speciation of Se in food and yeasts, as well as understanding their metabolism and absorption. This constitute a path to exploit in order to explain certain different effects of Se.

Mehdi, Y., Clinquart, A., Hornick, J.-L., Cabaraux, J.-F., Istasse, L. and Dufrasne, I. 2015. Meat composition and quality of young growing Belgian Blue bulls offered a fattening diet with selenium enriched cereals. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 465–473. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of selenium (Se) enrichment of cereals on the performance of Belgian Blue bulls, meat quality and chemical composition. Twenty-three bulls were used in the present study. Twelve bulls were offered a control diet containing Se at a basal concentration of 58 µg kg⁻¹ of dry matter (DM) and the other 11 bulls were given a diet containing 173 µg kg⁻¹ DM of Se by means of Se-enriched spelt and barley. The Se enrichment of the diet did not affect the growth performance, the slaughter data or meat quality (P > 0.05). There were no effects of Se on tenderness, oxidative rancidity and water losses. However, there were some effects of Se enrichment on the meat chemical composition. The ether extract was decreased from 2.1 to 1.7% DM (P<0.05). There was also significant Se enrichment (P<0.001) in the longissimus thoracis muscle (177 vs. 477 ng g⁻¹ DM) and organs: liver (474 vs. 1126 ng g⁻¹ DM) and kidney (4956 vs. 5655 ng g⁻¹ DM), Under such conditions, the human consumption of a piece of such meat or liver can provide a large part of the recommended daily Se intake, estimated between 30 and 57%.