Selenium – How Important Is It?
Crandell KM. 1999. Selenium – how important is it? Equinews Vol. 2/4:9-11.
The importance of selenium in equine nutrition has changed tremendously over the years. Scientists first considered selenium a toxin in the 1930s. In particular, research indicated “alkali disease” in horses was caused by selenium overload. Further research in the 1950s, however, proved selenium prevented white muscle disease in horses and other livestock, thus refuting the perception of selenium as solely a toxin and establishing it as an essential nutrient in horses when offered in limited quantities.