The feed consumption of goats was only reduced after considerable Se depletion. The conversion of Se-depleted animals to an Se-rich ration increased feed consumption within one day. An intrauterine Se deficiency (less than 38 micrograms Se/kg DM of the ration) did not induce intrauterine growth depression in kids. Se depletion led to a highly significant postnatal growth depression which increased with advancing Se depletion both during the lactation period and after weaning.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of selenium deficiency on reproduction and milk performance of goats.

Even with a high vitamin E offer, Se deficiency (less than 38 micrograms/kg DM of the ration) led to a 33% lower conception rate (P less than 0.05) in goats and to a greater than 50% lower number of kids on the 91st day of life. The Se deficiency reduced the milk production significantly by 23% during the first 56 days of lactation, the milk fat production by 11% and the milk protein production by 12%.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Iodine deficiency in ruminants. 1. The iodine content of feed, plants and drinking water].

Dependent on the species, feedstuffs and plants differ considerably in their iodine content. Among the I-poorest feedstuffs there are grain concentrates, extracted soybean and rapeseed oil meals, mixed feed (without I-containing mineral mixture) and grasses. The I content of the plants decreases with proceeding growth. The I intake of ruminants via vegetable feed and drinking water is affected by the distance of the site from the seaside and the geological origin of the soil material. Ruminants get considerably less iodine via feedstuffs and water in the southern territory of the GDR than in the central and northern areas. Therefore, mineral mixtures for cattle and sheep are supplemented with 18 mg KIO3 per kg mixture in the southern districts. The I analysis of 205 charges of mineral mixtures revealed only a mean I content of 7 (3.8-11.3) mg per kg mixture.

Animal Feed↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The influence of sulphur, molybdenum and cadmium exposure on the growth of goat, cattle and pig.

In growing billy goats, bulls and heifers, the supplementation of 10 g elementary S/kg ration dry matter reduced the daily weight gain by about 15%. The offer of 10 g S and 10 mg Mo/kg ration did not intensify growth depression. It occurred, however, when 10 g S were applied together with 3 mg Cd. Under these conditions, fattening bulls gained 19% less weight. The monogastric pig reacted less sensitively to the same exposure. The growth depression only reached about 10% and remained insignificantly. On the other hand, pigs with 10 g S and 3 mg Cd gained 17% less weight (p less than 0.05). The supplementation of 20 g elementary S/kg reduced their growth dramatically. These pigs only gained 89 g weight per day. The effect of S (and Mo or Cd) supplementation was mainly due to decreased feed consumption.

Animal Feed↗