Introduction

Micronutrients are the unsung heroes of animal nutrition, performing vital functions that sustain productivity, reproduction and overall health. Among them, selenium (Se) stands out for its potent role in antioxidant defense, immunity, reproduction and metabolic balance. Despite being required in trace amounts, selenium’s biological influence extends to nearly every cell and tissue in the body. Deficiency or imbalance in selenium can lead to significant health challenges and economic losses in dairy, poultry and livestock sectors.

Biological Role of Selenium

Selenium functions primarily through its incorporation into a group of proteins known as selenoproteins, which include essential enzymes like glutathione peroxidases (GSH-Px), thioredoxin reductases and iodothyronine deiodinases. These enzymes regulate oxidative balance, immune response and thyroid metabolism.

• Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px): Neutralizes peroxides and protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.
• Thioredoxin reductase: Maintains intracellular redox potential.
• Iodothyronine deiodinase: Controls thyroid hormone activation, influencing metabolism and energy balance.
• Selenoprotein P: Acts as the main selenium transporter and antioxidant in plasma.

Antioxidant and Cellular Protection

Oxidative stress is a constant challenge in high-producing animals, resulting from metabolic activity, heat, and infection. Selenium-dependent enzymes such as GSH-Px protect tissues by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Immune Function and Disease Resistance

Selenium is crucial for maintaining a robust immune system. It modulates both humoral and cell-mediated immunity by influencing lymphocyte proliferation, antibody production and cytokine regulation.

Reproductive Health and Fertility

In males:
Selenium supports spermatogenesis and maintains sperm motility through the enzyme phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PH-GSH-Px), which protects sperm membranes from oxidative damage. Selenium deficiency can cause low sperm motility, morphological defects and reduced conception rates.

In females:
Selenium is vital for ovarian and uterine health. It modulates prostaglandin synthesis, prevents oxidative damage to the uterine lining, and reduces the incidence of retained placenta and metritis.
 

Growth and Production Performance

Selenium contributes to metabolic efficiency and productivity by improving antioxidant capacity and reducing cellular damage.In poultry, selenium supplementation enhances feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain, and meat quality, while reducing oxidative spoilage of meat. In dairy animals, selenium improves milk yield, milk quality and udder health, particularly when combined with vitamins and biotin. Selenium-enriched milk also offers greater nutritional benefits for human consumers.

Deficiency and Clinical Manifestations

Selenium deficiency commonly occurs in animals grazing on selenium-deficient soils, resulting in various clinical conditions:

• White Muscle Disease (Nutritional Myodegeneration) – Affects cardiac and skeletal muscles in calves and lambs.
• Exudative Diathesis – Characterized by edema and hemorrhage in poultry.
• Reproductive Disorders – Retained placenta, infertility, and increased embryonic mortality.
• Reduced Immunity and Growth Retardation – Due to impaired antioxidant enzyme function.

Selenium Sources and Bioavailability

Selenium exists in both inorganic (sodium selenite, selenate) and organic (selenomethionine, selenocysteine) forms.
Organic forms, especially those derived from selenized yeast or plant-based selenium, exhibit higher bioavailability, better tissue retention and longer-lasting effects.

Integrating Selenium with Multivitamin Support: The Role of Uddicin-H

To achieve balanced micronutrient nutrition and prevent deficiencies, multivitamin-selenium supplementation has become a core strategy in livestock and poultry management. One such advanced formulation is Uddicin-H, a scientifically designed multivitamin liquid feed supplement enriched with Biotin and Selenium, developed to support milk production, udder health, reproduction and immunity.

Key Benefits:

• Optimizes milk production and reproductive performance in dairy animals.
• Supports udder health and reduces the incidence of mastitis.
• Enhances hoof integrity through Biotin-mediated keratin synthesis.
• Boosts immunity and improves disease resistance in animals and birds.
• Improves feed conversion ratio (FCR) and production efficiency in poultry.

Conclusion

Selenium is not just a trace mineral it is a vital determinant of animal health, fertility and productivity. Its antioxidant, immune-boosting and reproductive functions make it indispensable in modern livestock nutrition. However, the narrow margin between deficiency and toxicity necessitates precise supplementation through balanced formulations.

Uddicin-H, with its scientifically balanced combination of Selenium, Biotin and Multivitamins, represents a holistic nutritional approach. It supports milk yield, udder and hoof health, reproduction and disease resistance ensuring animals stay productive, resilient and healthy throughout their lifecycle.

References

1. Rayman, M. P. (2012). Selenium and human health. The Lancet, 379(9822), 1256–1268.
2. Surai, P. F. (2006). Selenium in Nutrition and Health. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 158, 1–14.
3. Arthur, J. R., McKenzie, R. C., & Beckett, G. J. (2003). Selenium in the immune system. Journal of Nutrition, 133(5), 1457S–1459S.
4. Ursini, F., et al. (1999). Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase in sperm structure and function. Science, 285(5432), 1393–1396.