Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Selenium Deficiency White Muscle Disease

Selenium deficiency causes white muscle disease in calves and lambs. Prevention through targeted supplementation protects young stock from painful myopathy.

Key Facts

Selenium deficiency affects skeletal and cardiac muscle
Affected calves show weakness, reluctance to walk, and respiratory distress
Death from cardiac muscle involvement can be sudden
Regions with selenium-deficient soils have highest risk
Injectable selenium and vitamin E provides rapid prevention and treatment

Welfare Considerations

White muscle disease causes muscle pain and weakness in calves - affected animals struggle to walk or nurse, and cardiac involvement can cause sudden death. The condition is entirely preventable in at-risk areas through selenium monitoring and supplementation. Every case represents preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Test forage and soil selenium levels in at-risk regions
Implement selenium supplementation programs for cows in late pregnancy
Monitor newborn calves for signs of weakness in selenium-deficient areas
Work with a vet on selenium status monitoring across the herd