Selenium Content and Distribution in Cow's Milk Supplemented with Two Dietary Selenium Sources

The effect of two sources of Se, selenized yeast (Se-Y) and sodium selenite, added to total mixed rations (TMR) fed to cows on Se milk content and distribution in milk components was studied on three farms for 6 weeks. The maximal increase in milk Se was attained with Se-Y supplemented at 0.3 microg g(-1). The effect was immediate, with an increase of 9 microg L(-1) being observed after only 5 days, and remained steady until the last sample at day 40 of Se supplementation. Se distribution in milk components was constant, 53.6, 42.6, and 9.3% in whey, casein, and fat, respectively, and was unaffected by the form of supplementation. The effect of the level of Se-Y supplementation on milk Se was studied on two farms. Increasing dietary Se-Y from 0 to 0.5 microg g(-1) elevated milk Se content from 20 to 39 microg L(-1). Se-enriched cow's milk at different levels can be produced by varying dietary Se supplementation in the form of selenized yeast.