Selenium plays a role in bone health

Bone health is a growing concern for both livestock and companion animals, and it is a key element in animal welfare. In livestock, factors such as genetic selection, high productivity or management practices help explain growing bone health issues. And, like humans, ageing pets and horses are also increasingly concerned by osteoarticular problems. Recent research indicates that selenium (Se) plays a key role in bone health and bone tissue formation. Bones represent the second biggest reservoir of Se in the body after skeletal muscles. For instance, human bones contain approximately 80 ng/g of this trace element. A literature review of the past 15 years of research indicates the involvement of Se in bone health has mainly been attributed to its:

• Preventive function against oxidative stress
• Role on the inflammatory and immune systems
• Involvement in cell division, proliferation and apoptosis processes

Recent research conducted by Lallemand on poultry as animal models for bone health indicates that Se yeast supplementation could benefit both the bone mineralization process in growing animals and bone quality in adult productive animals.