Bulk tank milk selenium and its association with milk production parameters in Canadian dairy herds

An observational study was conducted in 63 Canadian dairy farms to evaluate the association of bulk tank milk selenium (Se) concentration (BTSe) with average daily milk yield, milk fat and milk protein, bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC), and the probability of being a Staphylococcus aureus-positive herd. Bulk tank milk samples collected between March 2007 and February 2008 were evaluated for BTSCC, S. aureus culture status, and BTSe. Mean BTSe was 0.51 ± 0.15 μmol/L; no herds were classified as deficient or marginal based on BTSe. Bulk tank milk Se was unconditionally associated with milk production; however, adjusting by region indicated a confounding effect of this variable. There was no relationship between BTSe and BTSCC. Higher values of BTSe were associated with lower risk of being a S. aureus-positive herd, possibly as a result of a more robust udder immune response, or as a result of providing Se at a higher rate as one component of an udder health program that reduces risk of being S. aureus positive.