Effect of dietary selenium source, level, and pig hair color on various selenium indices.

The study investigated the effects of dietary selenium (Se) levels, Se sources, and pig hair color on selenosis responses in pigs. Conducted with 96 pigs, the study found that higher dietary Se levels led to lower pig weights and daily gains, with more severe selenosis responses when inorganic Se was used. Alopecia and hoof separation were observed after 8 weeks with inorganic Se. Plasma Se levels increased with higher dietary Se, particularly with organic Se, and were higher in white-haired pigs. Hair Se concentration was higher in dark-haired pigs and increased with dietary Se levels. A second experiment showed that hair Se concentration varied by body location and breed, being higher in red- and white-haired pigs and lower in black-haired gilts. The results suggested that selenosis occurred at dietary levels above 5 ppm, with white-haired pigs showing alopecia sooner than dark-haired pigs.