Selenium in Swedish sheep production

TL;DRAbstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that is involved in several physiological functions in mammals. Mostly, Se is bound to proteins, many of them with enzymatic functions. A group of seleno-depending enzymes, glutathione peroxidases (GSH-Px’s), are important as antioxidants and protects against free radicals. The activity of GSH-Px is strongly regulated by Se storage in the liver. Deficiency of Se can cause disturbances such as nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD), lameness, reduced fertility and growth. During pregnancy, Se is efficiently transferred over the placenta and prioritized to the foetus. The bioavailability of Se depends of the origin and inorganic Se in the form of sodium selenite and sodium selenate has lower bioavailability than organic Se in the form of selenium yeast. It is generally known that Swedish soils have low Se contents and for sheep, which mostly have a roughage and pasture based diet, this can cause Se deficiency. In this master thesis, different stu

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