SELENIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA FORAGES, GRAINS, AND PROCESSED FEEDS

Samples of hay, silage and grains grown throughout British Columbia and samples of ration components available in British Columbia were analyzed for selenium in order to characterize the selenium status of feeds available for livestock. There were nutritionally important differences between the same feeds grown in different regions and between different feeds within a region. Even within a region featuring relatively high selenium concentrations, many feeds were found to be below the 0.1 ppm minimum requirement for livestock. A selenium analysis of feeds appears necessary in order to supplement livestock appropriately.