Selenium is a tiny but important nutrient that helps goats and sheep stay healthy in many ways. Scientists have been studying how selenium affects blood cell production in these animals’ bone marrow—the spongy part inside bones where new blood cells are made. This review looked at all the research done so far and found that giving selenium supplements to goats and sheep may help their bodies make more healthy blood cells, especially red blood cells and clotting cells. However, scientists still need to do more research to figure out the best ways to give selenium to these animals to get the most benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How selenium, a nutrient found in food and supplements, affects the ability of goats’ and sheep’s bone marrow to make new blood cells
  • Who participated: This was a review paper that looked at many different studies on goats and sheep of various ages that received different types of selenium supplements
  • Key finding: Studies suggest that giving selenium supplements to goats and sheep may help their bone marrow work better at making red blood cells and platelets (cells that help blood clot), though more research is needed to confirm this
  • What it means for you: If you raise goats or sheep, selenium supplementation might help keep your animals healthier and more productive, but you should talk to a veterinarian about the best approach for your specific animals and situation

The Research Details

This is a review article, which means scientists read and summarized all the research that has already been done on selenium and blood cell production in goats and sheep. Instead of doing their own experiment, the researchers looked at what other scientists have discovered and tried to find patterns and common findings across all those studies.

The researchers looked at studies that used different types of selenium supplements (some natural, some made in labs), studied animals of different ages, and measured different things in the animals’ blood and bone marrow. By putting all this information together, they could see what we know and what we still need to learn about selenium’s role in these animals.

Understanding how selenium affects blood cell production is important because healthy blood is essential for animals to fight infections, carry oxygen, and stay productive. If farmers can use selenium supplements to help their goats and sheep make better blood, it could mean healthier, more productive animals. This research helps veterinarians and farmers make better decisions about how to care for their animals.

This is a review of existing research rather than a new study, so its strength depends on the quality of the studies it reviewed. The researchers noted that the studies they looked at were quite different from each other—they used different animals, different ages, different types of supplements, and measured different things. This makes it harder to draw firm conclusions. The fact that research in this area is still limited means we should be cautious about making strong claims until more studies are done.

What the Results Show

The review found that selenium supplementation appears to help improve how well the bone marrow makes blood cells in goats and sheep. Specifically, it may help with the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, and platelets, which help blood clot when there’s an injury.

However, the researchers noted that not all studies showed the same results. This is partly because different types of selenium supplements work differently in the animal’s body—some are absorbed and used better than others. The amount of selenium already in the animals’ food and water also varies depending on where the animals live, which affects how much benefit they get from supplements.

The review also found that selenium doesn’t work alone—it works together with other nutrients like vitamin E and zinc. When these nutrients are out of balance, selenium may not work as well. This means that simply adding more selenium isn’t always the answer; farmers need to think about the whole picture of their animals’ nutrition.

Beyond blood cell production, the review confirmed that selenium is important for many other functions in goats and sheep, including protecting cells from damage, supporting the immune system to fight infections, helping muscles work properly, and supporting reproduction. These findings show that selenium is truly a critical nutrient for overall animal health, not just for blood production.

This review builds on previous knowledge that selenium is essential for animal health. What’s new here is the specific focus on how selenium affects blood cell production in goats and sheep. While selenium’s importance for immune function and reproduction has been studied more, the research on blood cell production in these specific animals is still developing. This review helps identify this as an important area that needs more attention from researchers.

The main limitation is that there hasn’t been enough research done on this specific topic. The studies that do exist used different methods and measured different things, making it hard to compare them directly. Some studies looked at goats, others at sheep, and some at different ages of animals. The type and form of selenium supplements varied widely. Additionally, most studies didn’t look at how selenium interacts with other nutrients, which we know is important. The researchers call for more standardized, well-designed studies to answer these questions more clearly.

The Bottom Line

Based on current evidence, selenium supplementation may be beneficial for goats and sheep, particularly for supporting blood cell production and overall health. However, the confidence level is moderate because more research is needed. Any supplementation should be done under the guidance of a veterinarian who can assess your specific animals’ needs, consider their current diet, and monitor their health. The goal should be to achieve adequate selenium levels, not necessarily to maximize supplementation.

Farmers and ranchers who raise goats and sheep should care about this research, especially if their animals live in areas with low selenium in the soil and water. Veterinarians who advise on animal nutrition should also pay attention. However, this research is specific to goats and sheep—it doesn’t directly apply to other animals or to humans. Pet owners with goats should consult their veterinarian before making any changes.

If selenium supplementation is started, improvements in blood cell production and overall health may take several weeks to become noticeable. You wouldn’t expect to see changes overnight. Regular blood tests can help monitor whether supplementation is working for your animals.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you raise goats or sheep, track your animals’ health markers monthly: record energy levels, coat condition, and any signs of illness or infection. Note when selenium supplementation is started and any changes in these observations over the following 4-8 weeks.
  • Work with your veterinarian to assess whether your animals need selenium supplementation based on their current diet and local soil/water selenium levels. If supplementation is recommended, establish a consistent supplementation schedule and document it in your animal health records.
  • Set up a quarterly review system where you assess your animals’ overall health, energy, and productivity. Keep records of any blood work results if your veterinarian recommends testing. Track seasonal variations in your animals’ health, as selenium needs may change with diet changes throughout the year.

This article summarizes research about selenium in goats and sheep and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Before starting any supplementation program for your animals, consult with a licensed veterinarian who can evaluate your specific animals’ needs, current diet, and health status. Selenium supplementation should only be done under professional guidance, as improper supplementation can be harmful. The findings in this review are based on limited research, and individual results may vary. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for your animals’ care.