Selenium deficiency causes white muscle disease in cattle and sheep, causing painful muscle damage in newborns and reduced immunity in adults, with prevention through supplementation being straightforward.
White muscle disease causes acute suffering in newborn calves - they are born weak and unable to stand, with muscle pain limiting movement. Cardiac muscle involvement causes heart failure and acute death in severe cases. Even surviving calves may have permanent muscle damage affecting lifetime welfare and performance. Adult cattle with subclinical selenium deficiency suffer from impaired immunity, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases and experiencing longer, more severe illness when infected. The welfare harm from selenium deficiency is substantial and entirely preventable with appropriate supplementation once deficiency is identified.