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Myopathy and myoglobinuria in feedlot cattle
Summary
Selenium deficiency caused myopathy and myoglobinuria in feedlot cattle. Supplementation with selenium and vitamin E led to recovery in most affected animals within two weeks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myopathy and myoglobinuria are serious conditions in feedlot cattle.
- Transportation stress can exacerbate underlying health issues in livestock.
- Selenium deficiency has been linked to muscular disorders in various animal species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of myopathy and myoglobinuria in a group of Alberta feedlot cattle.
- To identify the role of selenium deficiency in the observed clinical signs.
- To evaluate the efficacy of selenium-vitamin E treatment.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of affected cattle.
- Assessment of animal diet for nutritional deficiencies, specifically selenium.
- Administration of injectable selenium-vitamin E as a therapeutic intervention.
Main Results:
- Affected cattle exhibited stiffness, sternal recumbency, and red or coffee-colored urine.
- Diet analysis revealed a deficiency of selenium in the grain and hay consumed by the animals.
- Most cattle treated with selenium-vitamin E recovered within two weeks.
Conclusions:
- Selenium deficiency is a likely cause of myopathy and myoglobinuria in these feedlot cattle.
- Injectable selenium-vitamin E is an effective treatment for this condition.
- Ensuring adequate selenium levels in livestock feed is crucial for preventing such health issues.