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Abstract
Selenium levels were assayed and related to reproductive and health performance in two different materials, comprising 17 dairy herds without reproductive problems (Material I) and 47 herds with reproductive problems (Material II). A high correlation between plasma and blood selenium levels was found (r=0.79). A majority of dry cows and pregnant heifers showed marginal or deficient selenium levels. Among herds with reproductive problems, 43% of the herds had a low selenium status (<0.05 μg/ml plasma). The herd factor was the main source of variation in selenium levels. An increase in the interval from calving to last insemination was observed in herds with high selenium status (p=0.04). Although not significant, there was a tendency in herds with low selenium status to have a better reproductive performance. No significant relationship between the selenium status of the herds and health performance was observed.