Related Experiment Videos
Apparent selenium toxicity in emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
L L Kinder1, C R Angel, N B Anthony
1Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701, USA.
Avian Diseases
|July 1, 1995
Summary
High selenium levels in emu feed led to increased embryonic mortality. Egg selenium concentrations decreased significantly after supplementation withdrawal, indicating a direct link between dietary selenium and egg quality.
Area of Science:
- Avian reproduction
- Animal nutrition
- Toxicology
Background:
- Commercial emu farming faces challenges with embryonic mortality.
- Dietary supplementation is common in livestock management.
Observation:
- High embryonic mortality was observed during the 1992-93 breeding season.
- Emu feed was supplemented with vitamin E and selenium premix, resulting in 1.4 ppm selenium.
- Initial egg selenium levels averaged 4.2 ppm, with a range of 1.2-7.1 ppm.
Findings:
- Egg selenium levels significantly decreased over a 3-month period after supplementation withdrawal (P < 0.05).
- Post-withdrawal egg selenium levels dropped from an average of 2.1 ppm to 1.1 ppm.
- This demonstrates a clear correlation between dietary selenium and egg selenium concentration.
Implications:
- Excessive dietary selenium can negatively impact emu embryonic development.
- Careful management of selenium supplementation is crucial for successful emu breeding.
- Further research into optimal selenium levels for emus is warranted.