There has not been any new research done recently in regard to selenium levels required for broodmares. The National Research Council recommends a minimum of 0.1 ppm in the diet. Of course, 0.1 ppm is the minimum amount required to prevent deficiency symptoms such as white muscle disease. Many equine nutritionists feel that this level may be somewhat low especially if a broodmare band may be experiencing a number of retained placentas. Plus we know more about selenium as a potential antioxidant to help maintain the integrity of cell membranes. Most diets are now formulated with 0.3 ppm selenium, and there is some thought that 0.3 to 0.5 ppm in the diet are more accurate values for selenium levels. It is also important not to oversupplement selenium because as little as 2.0 ppm in the diet may be potentially toxic.
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