by J.G. Davis, T.J. Steffens, T.E. Engle, K.L. Mallow, S.E. Cotton

Selenium (Se) is among the few elements that plants absorb in sufficient amounts that can be toxic to livestock.  Because of a similar atomic structure, Se is incorporated into cellular components in place of sulfur (in sulfur-containing amino acids, for example).  This substitution of Se for sulfur can cause chronic Se toxicity resulting in deformity or mortality in birds, fish and mammals. Selenium poisoning is incurable, but several methods exist that, used together, can prevent its occurrence even on seleniferous land.

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