Selenium Deficiency and Toxicity in Goats

Selenium is a very important mineral in a goat's diet. However, since most soil in the U.S. is deficient in selenium, and the U.S. government limits the amount of selenium that can be added to goat feeds and minerals, it's not that easy to make sure your goats get enough selenium. In this episode, I'm talking to veterinary and ruminant nutritionist, Dr. Robert Van Saun, a professor of veterinary science at Pennsylvania State University. He talks about the notorious history of selenium, as well as symptoms of deficiency. You'll learn how much selenium goats need in their diet and how to make sure they are getting it.  We also talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of selenium supplements. (Spoiler alert: So-called "selenium gel" does not actually have enough selenium in it to be helpful for a goat that is actually deficient in selenium.)If you are listening to this episode while driving or milking goats, and you have an urge to start taking notes, remember that the transcript is on the Thrifty Homesteader website, so you can review all of the numbers that Dr. Van Saun shares.Full show notes here --- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/selenium-deficiency-and-toxicity-in-goats/To see the most recent episodes, visit FortheLoveofGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for tuning in!If you’d like to support the content you love and help us keep bringing you new goat resources, you can do that through our Tip Jar.No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information.🔹 Check out Goats 365 membership🔹 Or explore The Goat Academy🔹Looking for Deborah's books?  They can be purchased wherever books are sold, or you can get an autographed copy on our online store.Happy goat-keeping! 🐐