Dr. Mahan Ohio State U. and Chronic Selenium Toxicity

JHMontana · Post by **JHMontana** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:56 am

About a week and a half ago I went out to feed sows only to find a 500 lb sow having seizure. After it was over, she got up and went over to the feeder and started eating as if everything was normal. I e-mailed Dr. Mahan again with all of our symptons and he said "Over the past 2 months I have talked to and written several other people having similar problems with their sows and pigs. The symptoms you describe are exactly what they have conveyed to me and they are indicative of this toxicity, so I think it is fairly widespread, at least in the western part of the U.S."
I asked if it was alright to share the e-mail on a public forum and he said that would be fine as it might bring awareness to the problem. He is also starting an on farm study on Chronic Selenium Toxicity.
Since the episode of the sow with the seizure, I have diluted my feed until I can find the source of the problem and eliminate it. Since I mix my own feed I have the ability to test my base mixes, SBM and grain with no interference from a feed company. I am mixing according to directions on the package as I have done for over 10 years. I do not add additional Se and have not changed base mix suppliers. My corn tested at .1 ppm and I am waiting for the SBM and base mixes at this time.
This is not a disease nor is it a laughing matter, it is real. Dr. Mahan has given me permission to share the e-mail with anyone that would like to read it.

Non-Sequitor · Post by **Non-Sequitor** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:16 am

Please forward the e-mail to me.
Thanx.

Del · Post by **Del** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:29 am

please forward it on to me also. delandbrandy@yahoo.com

Darin · Post by **Darin** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:30 am

Me too! darin@limitup.net

gwatts2 · Post by **gwatts2** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:48 pm

Me too gwatts2@yahoo.com Thanks

Jimmy · Post by **Jimmy** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:35 pm

please send to plshowswine@gmail.com

Hog_Whisperer · Post by **Hog_Whisperer** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:01 am

J,
Please forward it on to me also.
Thanks!
Greg
sqnhattrick@gmail.com

jhmt · Post by **jhmt** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:28 am

Sorry, I had to change my screen name. My samples came back from Michigan State. SBM tested at 1.29 ppm, base 8.37 (label states 6.6), breeder pack .39, the label states 0 but is still insignificant. Corn is .1 and complete feed is .5 ppm. Prior to that I was using barley and I don't know what the level of Se was on it. While it seems as though the level of Se is low enough, it is not. Diseases of Swine 9th edition page 939, signs of mineral excess under estimated dietary tolerance level shows .5ppm for swine. Mahan 1991, 2001; NRC 1998; Kim and Mahan 2001. It also gives all of the symtoms of Se toxicity. While at .5 ppm things "appeared" to be better, but then the sow had a seizure. I also had problems with agressive behavior toward pen mates and overly sensitive sows. I cut my feed with plain COB and the agressive behavior and sensitivity disapeared in a matter of days. At .5 ppm it does not affect market size hogs, but it does affect the sows because of the build up in their system which is called the chronic form. I have since cut my SBM by 150 lbs. and that should bring the level down to .4 ppm. However, sows should only have about .1 ppm in the diet. I am going to talk to my local rep. and see if they can pull the added Se out of my base mix. They are within their legal limit as far as the base mix is concerned. I have no other options for SBM at this time, if anyone has any other suggestions I am more than open to them. It is heart breaking to see all my years of work to fall apart on me.

Leadbottom · Post by **Leadbottom** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:53 am

What is COB?

jhmt · Post by **jhmt** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:19 am

Corn, Oats and Barley.

jimhilton · Post by **jimhilton** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:31 am

Would like copy to read also. jhilton@plains.net