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Selenium toxicosis in feeder pigs
H D Stowe1, A J Eavey, L Granger
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|July 15, 1992
Summary
High selenium (Se) levels in pig feed caused toxicosis, leading to decreased appetite, weakness, and even death. Supplementation returned to normal after switching feeds, with Se levels gradually decreasing.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
Background:
- Selenium toxicosis is a significant concern in livestock production.
- Accidental over-supplementation of selenium can lead to adverse health effects in pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of selenium toxicosis in feeder pigs due to a contaminated commercial supplement.
- To describe the clinical signs, serum selenium levels, and pathological findings associated with the toxicosis.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis of selenium toxicosis in feeder pigs.
- Analysis of commercial feed supplement for selenium concentration.
- Monitoring of feed consumption, clinical signs, and serum selenium levels.
- Histopathological examination of affected pigs.
Main Results:
- Feed contained 20x intended selenium concentration (8.1 mg/kg).
- Pigs showed decreased feed intake (35%), weakness, paresis, and mortality.
- Serum selenium levels reached 1,550 ng/ml (normal: 140-190 ng/ml).
- Histology revealed myopathy and spinal cord lesions.
Conclusions:
- Commercial feed supplements require stringent quality control to prevent toxicosis.
- Prompt intervention by changing feed resolved the condition and allowed for recovery.
- Selenium toxicosis in pigs can cause significant neurological and muscular damage.