Total Selenium Level and Its Distribution between Organs in Beef Cattle in Different Selenium Status.

Simple Summary: Selenium is a trace element needed for proper growth and development in both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of total selenium in the main tissues and to evaluate the differences in tissue distribution in beef cattle with different selenium status. It was found that despite receiving supplementation, 44.44% of the examined cattle were deficient in selenium. The highest percentage of deficient animals was recorded among the heifers (62.5%), and the lowest in bulls (30.43%). Differences in Se tissue distribution were observed between Se-deficient animals and those with normal Se status. The organs most susceptible to Se deficiency are the semitendinosus muscle, lungs, heart and liver. Our findings confirm that Se deficiencies can be found among supplemented animals. Selenium deficiency in beef cattle may be related to the uneven uptake of the element, but also to the individual predispositions of animals. It is recommended to monitor Se levels to detect deficiencies and, if necessary, to respond by increasing selenium supply. The aim of this study was to determine the Se concentration in the main tissues of beef cattle and to evaluate the differences in tissue distribution between animals with different selenium status. Selenium concentration was determined in the serum, longissimus dorsi muscle, semitendinosus muscle, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and lungs of cows, heifers and beef bulls, using spectrofluorimetric method. Despite receiving supplementation, 55.6% animals demonstrated an optimal Se level, while 44.4% were deficient. The mean serum Se concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in animals with a normal Se status than in Se-deficient animals. Differences in Se tissue distribution were observed between Se-deficient animals and those with normal Se status. The organs most susceptible to Se deficiency are the semitendinosus muscle, lungs, heart and liver. In both normal and Se-deficient animals, significantly higher Se concentrations were observed in the kidney than other organs (p < 0.05), and the lowest in the muscles. As Se deficiencies can be found among supplemented animals, the level of Se should be monitored in beef cattle in order to detect possible Se deficiencies, which may have negative health effects for animals and reduce the value of animal products as a source of Se in the human diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]