Dynamics of selenium deficiency in bovines in District Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was designed to determine the serum selenium status in association of its risk factors in cattle and buffaloes of district Kasur, Punjab. Selenium status was evaluated by Atomic Absorptions Spectrophotometery (AAS) with respect to sex of animals, geographical area, age of animals, herd size, stage of animals, production level and concentrate feeding. Selenium deficiency was also evaluated as a risk factor of mastitis and repeat breeding. About 48.43% cattle and 72.39% buffaloes were found positive in selenium deficiency. Species (cattle and buffaloes) were significantly (x²=23.042, df=1, p<0.05) associated with selenium deficiency. The highest rates (90.62 %) of selenium deficient animals were observed in village Nathoki of tehsil Kasur. The risk factors such as Gender (x²=11.31, df=1, p<0.05), feed components (x²=4.47, df=1, p<0.05) and high or low milk production (x²=36.42, df=3, p<0.05) are significantly associated with selenium deficiency. Other risk factors like age of animals (x²=3.47, df=4, p>0.05) and herd size (x²=2.45, df=2, p>0.05) are not significantly associated with selenium deficiency. selenium status is association with udder and reproductive system health (P<0.05). Dairy animals at milk producing stage, high milk producers, and animals that are not supplemented with extra concentrate were found to be at higher risk. Males are more at risk than the females. Present study concludes that almost half of the animals surveyed were deficient in selenium. Milking animals with high production levels and older animals require selenium supplementation.

Duke Scholars

Author Sajid Umar DKU Faculty