Excretion routes and distribution of selenium in sheep tissues after selenite loading

Abstract

Excretion routes of selenium (Se) and its contents in liver and muscle were investigated in sheep after intravenous infusion of sodium selenite. Blood Se level was increased 12 times and began to fall immediately after the end of selenite infusion. Se excretion by urine and faeces reached the highest values 3 h and from 12 to 24 h later, respectively. Selenite loading resulted in a 5-fold higher Se level in the liver but no change of this parameter was found in muscle 3 days after selenite infusion. The results suggest that some Se-metabolite(s) is(are) secreted into the digestive tract of ruminants.