Absorption and distribution of selenium in animals consuming canola grown for selenium phytoremediation

Canola (Brassica napus) grown as a selected plant species for field phytore mediation of selenium (Se) may be harvested and utilized as Se-enriched for age for marginally Se-deficient lambs and cows. Two field studies were cond ucted under controlled conditions to evaluate the accumulation of Se into d ifferent animal tissues, including blood, excreta, and milk. In Study 1, tr eatments consisted of feeding lambs freshly cut Se-enriched canola (contain ing approximate to 4 mg Se kg(-1) DM) or control canola (containing <0.1 mg Se kg(-1) DM), respectively, for 64 days. In Study 2, treatments consisted of feeding cows dried Se-enriched canola (containing approximate to 3.5 mg Se kg(-1) DM) as part of their daily ration for 20 days. In Study 1 at pos tmortem, Se concentrations,were significantly greater in all tested tissues and in excreta from lambs fed Se-enriched canola, In Study 2, Se values we re slightly higher in blood and excreta, but not significantly higher in mi lk from cows sampled throughout the study. Significant differences in total live animal weight were not observed between treatments in either study. B ased on these results, canola plants (not including seeds) used for field p hytoremediation of Se may be harvested and safely fed to lambs and cows to help meet normal Se intake requirements.