hn.helps to prevent the body destroying itself
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that functions as a component of enzymes involved in antioxidant protection. In particular glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) breaks down the hydrogen peroxide created by muscles in normal metabolism. In fact it turns the hydrogen peroxide into water.
If this hydrogen peroxide is not broken down by glutathione peroxidase then it builds up in the muscle and starts to denature the tissues. In extreme circumstances, in cattle and sheep, this leads to a condition known as White Muscle Disease. Here areas of skeletal muscle (for example in the legs) and smooth muscle (for example the heart) are so denatured that they appear white and cease to function. Vitamin E also acts as an antioxident in the same metabolic pathway and it is thought that when White Muscle Disease develops both selenium and vitamin E are deficient.
In less extreme circumstances a lack of selenium for these enzymes affects growth rates and fertility. It is also associated with poor cleansing of the afterbirth.
Selenium is also used in enzymes involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and this may be the mechanism that has the greatest effect on fertility.
Supplementation
Selenium is incorporated into amino acids by rumen bacteria. The mechanism used is simple for, instead of using sulphur when creating the amino acids methionine and cystine, the bugs use selenium which results in seleno methionine and seleno cystine. So if a regular supply of selenium can be trickled into the rumen the bacteria manufacture “chelated” selenium at a fraction of the price of buying chelated selenium in a mineral drench.
Cosecure and Zincosel provide a constant supplementation of selenium and other trace elements to the rumen for four to eight months.