Blood selenium concentrations in cows and heifers on 253 cow-calf operations in 18 states

This study was conducted to determine the geographic distribution of selenium deficiency among beef cows and heifers in selected states. Whole blood selenium concentrations were determined for cows and heifers on 253 cow-calf operations in 18 states. Overall, 7.8% of the samples were severely deficient, and another 10.4% of the samples were considered marginally deficient for selenium. Blood selenium concentrations varied by geographic region. Cattle from the southeastern states were more commonly considered severely or marginally deficient (18.6% and 23.8%, respectively) than cattle from other regions. Herds from the southeastern states were also more commonly considered severely or marginally deficient (14.9% and 20.9%, respectively) than herds from other regions. Blood selenium concentration also varied by whether selenium had been supplemented to the herd. We conclude that blood selenium levels for cattle vary by geographic region and selenium supplementation of the herd.