ANN 111: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

SELENIUM TOXICITY - ALKALI DISEASE AND BLIND STAGGERS

• Some species of plants (Astragalus racemosa) that grow in seleniferous areas contain very high levels of selenium.
• Alkali disease and blind staggers are localized names for chronic diseases of animals grazing certain seleniferous areas in the USA.
• Symptoms include dullness, stiffness of the joints, loss of hair from mane or tail and hoof deforrmities.
• Acute poisoning, which results in death from respiratory failure, can arise from sudden exposure to high selenium intakes.