Chronic Selenosis in Dairy Animal - A Study of Clinical Observations and Haematological Profile

The study was planned to determine the current status of selenium in animal-plant system in Punjab with special reference to selenosis. A total of 112 crossbred cows and 187 buffaloes from 22 districts of Punjab were sampled randomly. Mean Selenium levels in 20 districts on basis of plasma, hair, water and fodder analysis were within normal range and significantly high in two districts viz. Nawansheher and Hoshiarpur. Clinical manifestations of chronic selenosis were poor health, unthriftiness, emaciation, overgrown hooves with visible horizontal cracks leading to shedding in severe cases, associated with cracking of horns followed by avulsion of horn corium. Alopecia with generalized or patchy alopecia of trunk and tail switch hair loss, inappetance and decreased productivity along with various forms of reproductive problems were also observed. Fast growing, soft and brittle hooves and hair loss was also seen. Non significant alterations were recorded in mean values of Hb, PCV, TLC and TEC.