Selenium The selenium content of feeds grown in Alberta is quite variable and ranges from levels as low as one-tenth of that required by cattle to levels that are many times what animals require. There can be a marked difference in selenium content of forage from year to year. Alfalfa and mixed hay containing alfalfa contain higher levels of selenium than do grass, clover and cereal forages. Grains are lower in selenium than are forages. Approximately 90 percent of badey grain samples contain less than the recommended allowance.
Any feed grown in Alberta can be low in selenium.
However, the likelihood of experiencing selenium deficiency is greater in the areas west of Highway 2 and north of Highway 16. Selenium deficiency is a significant problem in Alberta. Deficiency symptoms include white muscle disease, reduced resistance to diseases, birth of dead or weak calves, increased incidence of retained after-births, and lowered cow fertility. Higher levels than this may be required in some instances. The addition of selenium to commercially manufactured supplements for cattle is regulated by Agriculture Canada.