Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A003
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, A003 (2025)
Selenium – a key micronutrient for calves immunity
Julia Fabjanowska1*, Edyta Kowalczuk-Vasilev1
1 Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13,
20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: julia.fabjanowska@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Immunonutrition, focusing on the effects of dietary components on immune system functions, is gaining increasing importance in animal production. Prominent among the key elements supporting its development is selenium, which may play an important role in the maturation of immune mechanisms in calves. Selenium has a crucial function in the neonatal period, regulating the maturation and activity of immune cells, which is fundamental to an effective immune response. Understanding the interaction between selenium status and immune system development is essential to optimise calf health. In addition, selenium has a synergistic effect with, among others, vitamin E – by enhancing antioxidant protection, it contributes to the optimal functioning of the immune system. The combination of these components can result in improved oxidative metabolism in animals, changes in biochemical and haematological blood parameters, reduced disease incidence and improved animal performance. Numerous studies indicate the beneficial effects of supplementation with this element, but there is still debate regarding the optimal chemical form (organic vs. inorganic) and the appropriate dose. As both forms can enhance immune function, but the mechanism of action and efficacy differ. There are also indications that current nutritional standards for calves do not provide sufficient levels of selenium, especially in calves that are particularly susceptible to selenium deficiency. Deficiency of this element increases the risk of immune disorders, highlighting the need to establish optimal supplementation levels, especially in calves with reduced selenium status. This issue may be crucial especially in our Polish conditions, due to the low levels of this element in the soil and thus in the feed supplied with the ration. The aim of this study was to analyse recent research on the effects of selenium supplementation – in different chemical forms, with or without additives – on calf rearing rates and health status. The expected outcome of the review is to identify the effective dose and form of selenium to support calf health in the first weeks of life, especially during the immune gap period.
Keywords: selenium, calves, mineral additives, immune system
How to cite
J. Fabjanowska, E. Kowalczuk-Vasilev, 2025. Selenium – a key micronutrient for calves immunity. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A003