Parenteral selenium and vitamin E supplementation of weaned beef calves

The weaning process in beef calves elicits physiological stress responses that can negatively affect performance and health. Supplementation of vitamins and minerals, particularly selenium (Se) and vitamin E, might be warranted.

That parenteral administration of Se or vitamin E would correct or prevent deficiencies of these nutrients in postweaned beef calves during a backgrounding period (42 days after weaning).

One hundred and forty-four weaned steers (200-250 kg) in 3 trials.

One trial was conducted with cattle on a dry lot fed a total mixed ration and 2 trials were conducted on cattle on pasture. Selenium was administered at 0.05 mg/kg BW (SC) and vitamin E was administered at 1500 IU on days 0 and 28 (SC).

A treatment effect attributable to Se or vitamin E supplementation on average daily gain was not detected in any trials. Parenteral supplementation with Se on days 0 and 28 resulted in higher serum Se concentrations as compared with controls on day 42. Parenteral supplementation with Se on days 0 and 28 improved Se status from marginal to adequate in 1 trial. Parenteral supplementation with vitamin E did not improve serum vitamin E concentrations in any experiment.

Supplementation with vitamin E or Se or a combination of both did not have a significant effect on calf performance during the 42-day backgrounding period.