EFFECT OF SELENIUM SUPPLEMENTATION OF COWS ON MATERNAL TRANSFER OF SELENIUM TO FETAL AND NEWBORN CALVES

A trial was conducted to determine the effect of maternal supplementat ion of Se on transfer of Se to the fetus during late gestation. Holste in cows were randomly assigned at dry-off to receive no Se or 3 mg/d o f supplemental Se as selenite delivered via an intrarurminal bolus. Su pplementation significantly increased concentrations of Se in blood of dams at parturition. Similarly, calves of cows that were supplemented with Se had higher Se in blood and liver. Colostral concentrations of Se were increased by maternal Se supplementation; Se increased in the casein fraction. The Se concentrations in blood, plasma, and liver of calves were positively correlated with the Se concentrations in plasm a of the dam at parturition. Concentrations of Se in colostrum and in calf liver also were closely correlated. Concentrations of Se in calf liver at d 42 were closely correlated with concentrations of Se in liv er at birth. Maternal supplementation of Se increased Se reserves in t he liver of the newborn and in colostrum. Carry-over effects of Se sup plementation of dams were evident in calves at 42 d of age.