Selenium and vitamin E benefit calves

Calf growth and health benefit from organic selenium and vitamin E, according to a study from South Dakota State University. The researchers presented their findings last week at the American Dairy Science Association Midwestern Sectional meeting in Des Moines, Iowa.

During the study, the researchers evaluated the effect of selenium source and vitamin E dosage on calf growth, performance and immune response. To do that, they assigned calves to one of four treatment groups:

1)      0.3 parts per million (ppm) organic selenium and 1,000 IU of vitamin E per day.

2)      0.3 ppm inorganic sodium selenite and 1,000 IU of vitamin E per day.

3)      0.3 parts per million organic selenium and 250 IU of vitamin E per day.

4)      0.3 ppm inorganic sodium selenite and 250 IU of vitamin E per day.

Calves received their assigned treatment for 85 days. It was incorporated into their milk replacer and starter grain. Here is a snapshot of the results:

• Calves enrolled in treatment 4 gained less weight per day than calves in treatment 2 (1.74 pounds per day versus nearly 2.14 pounds per day.)
• Treatment 4 calves ate nearly 6 pounds of feed per pound of gain, which is a higher feed-to-gain ratio than that of calves in treatment 1. Those calves ate 4.4 pounds of feed per pound of gain.
• Calves in treatment 1 had the least number of sick days. Calves in treatment 4 had the greatest number of sick days.

Abstract #314, American Dairy Science Association Midwest Branch, March 19-21, 2007.

1. Future of food discussion with Agriculture Secretary
2. Ag markets diverged prove rather volatile on Thursday
3. Dairy slaughter numbers drop a tad
4. Reduce your risk when commingling calves
5. Corn futures relapse in wake of Wednesday's rally
6. Wet U.S. Midwest sections may lead to fewer corn acres

1. Commentary: Milk faces branding dilemma
2. 4 rules for growing a business or industry
3. Chocolate milk a top post-workout food
4. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
5. What do dairy exports mean for Minnesota?
6. Salma Hayek: Milk part of 'perfect' breakfast

1. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
2. 2014 Farm Bill: Are we near an agreement?
3. Farm bill and immigration reform action needed
4. Class III futures close out quietly last week
5. 4 rules for growing a business or industry
6. White House urges Senate to cut crop insurance in farm bill