Review article

The physiological and toxic effects of selenium in animals

Jasna Aladrović ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Lozančić
Martina Lojkić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Pušić ; Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Zagreb, Croatia
Lana Pađen ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Andreja Prevendar-Crnić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Selenium is a specific essential element, because it is one of the few elements that has a very narrow range between physiological and toxic concentrations in the body. Physiological concentrations range from 0.1-0.3 mg/kg dry matter for most animals, and sublethal doses range from 0.4 to 3 mg/kg. In nature, selenium appears in organic and inorganic forms. In animals, selenium is an integral part of many proteins, such as glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase, which maintains redox homeostasis and regulates cell signaling, and iodothyronine deiodinase, which regulates the activity of the thyroid gland hormones. Selenium deficiency in the body of animals most often leads to reduced growth, lower milk and wool production, reduced fertility and litter size, and reduced semen quality in breeding animals with high mortality of offspring. Selenium poisoning is caused by the ingestion of plants that accumulate selenium from selenium-rich soil due to errors caused by the negligence of veterinarians or animal owners when
adding selenium to animal feed, as well as by ingestion of food and water originating from a contaminated area. Regardless of the extent to which animals are exposed to any of the above sources of poisoning, acute, subacute or chronic selenium poisoning may develop. There is no specific treatment for selenium poisoning, therefore the possible harmful effects of selenium must be taught in order to reduce the risk to animals.

Keywords

selenium; physiological effects; toxic effects; domestic animals

Hrčak ID:

259255

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/259255

Publication date:

14.3.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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