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Title: Effects of selenium supplementation in cattle on aquatic ecosystems in northern California

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association; (United States)
OSTI ID:7176928
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  1. School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis (United States)

The potential impact on aquatic ecosystems of supplementing the diets of beef cattle with selenium (Se) was studied on 4 northern California ranches. All study sites included an area of concentrated use by cattle that had diets supplemented with Se. In each case, a stream flowed through the site and provided a control sampling area upstream and a treated sampling area downstream. Specimens of water, sediment, algae, aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, and fish were analyzed fluorometrically for total Se content. Significant differences in Se concentration were not found between specimens from upstream control areas and those from downstream areas subjected to use by Se-treated cattle. Evidence was not found that Se supplementation in cattle at maximal permitted concentrations caused Se accumulation in associated aquatic ecosystems.

OSTI ID:
7176928
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association; (United States), Vol. 201:6; ISSN 0003-1488
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English