Selenium, Micronutrients & Immune Function
Small inclusion, big job: trace minerals underpin antioxidant defense, immunity and reproduction.
Why it matters
Selenium is a structural part of selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase, the enzymes that neutralize the free radicals produced during calving, heat stress, infection and high production. When selenium status is low, cows are more exposed to oxidative stress, and immune function, udder health and reproduction can suffer.
Source matters. Inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) is absorbed and used differently from organic forms. Organic selenomethionine can be stored in body proteins and built into reserves that are drawn on during challenges — and passed to the calf and milk. Selenium yeast and hydroxy-selenomethionine are both organic, but they differ in purity and consistency.
Selenium is tightly regulated in feed, so the goal isn’t to feed more — it’s to feed a form that delivers the most usable selenium within the allowed level.
Key concepts
Antioxidant defense
Selenium-dependent enzymes are a first line of defense against oxidative stress from calving, heat and mastitis.
Organic vs. inorganic
Selenomethionine can be stored and mobilized; inorganic selenium is used or excreted with little reserve built.
Purity and consistency
Selenium yeast varies in its selenomethionine content; a pure hydroxy-selenomethionine source delivers a consistent organic form.
Mother to calf
Selenium status of the dam influences colostrum and calf selenium status at birth.
Podcast episodes
Each episode guide summarizes the conversation, what you’ll learn and the related research — with a link to listen.
Benefits of Organic Selenium
Selenium & Dairy Health
Methionine & Immunity in Dairy
Adisseo solutions for this topic
Product information as described by Adisseo. Talk with your nutritionist about fit for your ration.
Research & trial evidence
Trial summaries, ADSA abstracts, articles and user guides supporting the science on this trail.
Related trails
Heat Stress, Transition & Cow Resilience
The weeks around calving — and the heat she faces in them — shape this lactation and the next generation.
3Reproduction & Herd Development
Every pregnancy is a future cow, a beef calf sale or a lost day in milk. Nutrition and management decide which.
7Mycotoxins & Feed Risk
Mycotoxins vary by crop, year and storage — managing them starts with knowing your risk.
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