Do Horses Need Selenium

There is some debate over whether horses need selenium or not. Selenium is a mineral found in soil and plants, and it’s thought to be essential for many animals’ health. Horses are thought to get enough selenium from their diet of grass and hay, but some experts believe that they may need a supplement if they’re not getting enough from their food.

There are several different opinions on this topic, and more research needs to be done to determine whether horses really need selenium or not.

There’s a lot of debate on whether or not horses need selenium. Some say that because horses are able to graze on grass, they get enough selenium from their diet. Others say that because the soil in some areas is lacking in selenium, horses may not be getting enough of this essential mineral.

So, what’s the verdict? The truth is, it depends. If your horse is grazing on grass that’s grown in selenium-rich soil, then he’s likely getting enough selenium.

But if your horse isn’t grazing on grass or if the soil where the grass is grown is low in selenium, then he may need supplementation. If you’re worried that your horse isn’t getting enough selenium, talk to your vet about having him tested. A blood test can tell you if your horse is deficient in this mineral and whether or not he needs supplementation.

How Do You Know If Your Horse Needs Selenium?

If your horse is living in an area with low selenium levels in the soil, they may need a selenium supplement. Selenium is an important mineral for horses and plays a role in many bodily functions, including reproduction, thyroid function and immunity. Signs that your horse may need more selenium include poor growth, poor coat condition and recurrent infections.

If you think your horse may need a selenium supplement, talk to your vet for advice on the best way to provide it.

What is a Good Source of Selenium for Horses?

There are a few good sources of selenium for horses. One is Brazil nuts, which contain about 544 micrograms of selenium per nut. Another good source is tuna, which contains about 94 micrograms of selenium per 3-ounce serving.

Selenium can also be found in meats and poultry, as well as in some grains and cereals. The best way to ensure that your horse is getting enough selenium is to use a supplement that contains it.

How Much Selenium Does a Horse Need Per Day?

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for the health of horses. It plays a role in many body processes, including metabolism, reproduction, and immunity. While selenium is required in small amounts, it can be toxic if consumed in excess.

The recommended daily intake of selenium for horses is 0.3 mg per kg of body weight. For a 500 kg (1100 lb) horse, this equates to approximately 15 mg of selenium per day. Horses should not be given more than 10 times the recommended amount of selenium per day.

Selenium toxicity can occur at levels as low as 2-3 times the recommended amount and can cause serious health problems including colic, paralysis, and death.

Can You Give Too Much Selenium to a Horse?

While selenium is an important mineral for horses, it is possible to give them too much. Selenium toxicity can occur when horses are given large doses of supplemental selenium or when they consume hay or grain from areas with high concentrations of selenium in the soil. Symptoms of selenium toxicity include loss of appetite, depression, muscle tremors and weakness, incoordination, difficulty breathing, and collapse.

If not treated promptly, selenium toxicity can be fatal. If you suspect your horse has consumed too much selenium, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of Vitamin E And Selenium Deficiency in Horses

If you suspect your horse may be deficient in vitamin E or selenium, watch for these common symptoms: Muscle weakness and incoordination. Vitamin E and selenium are essential nutrients for proper muscle function.

Without enough of either nutrient, muscles can become weak and uncoordinated. This can lead to problems with movement, such as difficulty walking or standing. Exercise intolerance.

Horses that are deficient in vitamin E or selenium may tire quickly and have difficulty completing even moderate levels of exercise. If you notice your horse tiring more easily than usual during rides or workouts, have him checked by a veterinarian to rule out deficiencies as a possible cause. Poor growth rates in young horses.

Young horses need higher levels of vitamin E and selenium than adults to support proper growth and development. If you notice your foal or yearling isn’t growing as quickly as he should be, ask your vet about testing for deficiencies of these important nutrients.

Conclusion

Horses need selenium for many reasons. It helps to protect their cells from damage, helps with reproduction, and growth. Selenium also helps to maintain a healthy immune system.