Selenium reference ranges in New Zealand cattle.
OBJECTIVE
To compare serum selenium and liver selenium concentrations with whole blood concentrations in samples taken at the same time from unsupplemented cattle, and to use these comparisons to establish a reference range for use in diagnosing selenium deficiency.


METHODS
Selenium was measured in concurrent whole blood, serum and liver samples obtained from cattle in unsupplemented herds in the Manawatu, Waikato and Wairarapa regions of New Zealand. The results were statistically analysed.


RESULTS
The revised reference ranges are as follows. [table: see text]


CONCLUSIONS
The serum and liver selenium concentrations used as reference values prior to this study were inaccurate for the detection of selenium deficiency.
Thompson
J C
JC
Batchelar Animal Health Laboratory, PO Box 536, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Thornton
R N
RN
Bruere
S N
SN
Ellison
R S
RS