| This thesis is an evaluation of the effects of selenium supplementation on passive transfer of immunoglobulins and on calf health. Two separate clinical trials were conducted to determine the effects of selenium addition to colostrum and colostrum replacer, at doses of 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0ppm, on passive transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG). There was no significant increase in serum IgG concentration following supplementation at any dose. A third clinical trial was conducted in which 835 Holstein heifer calves were assigned to receive either 1 mL Dystosel or 1mL placebo at birth by subcutaneous injection. Fecal samples were collected from calves between 8-15 days of age and analyzed for Cryptosporidium parvum and rotavirus. Calves that received supplemental selenium at birth had significantly reduced odds of testing positive for rotavirus, however, there was no effect of treatment on odds of testing positive for C. parvum. Average daily gain during the study period was unaffected by selenium treatment at birth. |
