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Accidental selenium poisoning of growing pigs
M Mihailović1, G Matić, P Lindberg
1Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Biological Trace Element Research
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Chronic selenium toxicosis in pigs caused severe health issues, including emaciation and liver damage. Incorrect sodium selenite addition to feed, not mineral premix, was identified as the cause of this selenium poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
Background:
- Chronic selenium (Se) toxicosis is a significant concern in animal agriculture.
- Understanding the sources and clinical manifestations of Se toxicosis is crucial for livestock health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose and investigate a case of chronic selenium toxicosis in growing pigs.
- To identify the specific cause of selenium overexposure in the affected animals.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of affected pigs.
- Necropsy and histopathological evaluation of tissues.
- Analysis of blood plasma for selenium concentrations.
- Assessment of feed and mineral premix composition.
Main Results:
- Pigs exhibited emaciation, alopecia, skin necrosis, coronary band and hoof lesions, hepatic cirrhosis, and lumbar poliomyelomalacia.
- Elevated selenium levels were confirmed in the blood plasma of affected pigs.
- The direct addition of sodium selenite to feed, bypassing the mineral premix, was identified as the source of intoxication.
Conclusions:
- Improper handling and addition of selenium supplements can lead to toxicosis in livestock.
- Accurate formulation and administration of mineral premixes are essential to prevent selenium poisoning in pigs.
- This case highlights the importance of strict quality control in feed manufacturing to ensure animal safety.