Selenium may be provided by injection, feed or salt. We believe that oral administration is safer and more cost effective. In Selenium deficient areas both feed and salt may be utilized. Vitamin E supplementation in fast growing lambs is always essential. It is of particular importance in northern areas with early born lambs.
Lambs are particularly susceptible if ewes have been fed one year or older hay.
Colostral levels of Vitamin E increase with ewe supplementation. Ewes may be fed Vitamin E prior to lambing, a therapeutic dose two to four weeks before lambing works well. Gestation rations may be constantly supplemented with vitamin E 40,000 units per ton on a complete ration basis. Since Vitamin E is not transmitted from dam to fetus across the placenta, colostral transmission is important. This should be repeated at three weeks if necessary.