Farm Animals

Sheep Selenium and Vitamin E Welfare

Selenium and vitamin E deficiency causes white muscle disease and ill-thrift in lambs, preventable through targeted supplementation in deficient areas.

Key Facts

White muscle disease (nutritional muscular dystrophy) affects lambs from selenium or vitamin E deficient ewes
Affected lambs are weak, unable to rise and often die without treatment
UK soils in many areas are selenium-deficient, particularly upland and acidic soils
Supplementation through lick bins, boluses or drenching prevents disease effectively
Combined selenium and vitamin E supplementation achieves better prevention than either alone

Welfare Considerations

Selenium and vitamin E deficiency causes preventable suffering and death in lambs. Knowing the selenium status of your land and targeting supplementation appropriately are essential welfare measures.

What You Can Do

Test soil selenium levels on your farm if white muscle disease has been a problem
Consult your vet about appropriate supplementation protocols for pregnant ewes
Treat affected lambs with injectable selenium and vitamin E promptly at the first signs