Work

Selenium Biofortification in Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) Under Mediterranean Conditions: Effects on Forage Yield and Quality Parameters

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Selenium (Se) biofortification in triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) was evaluated under Mediterranean conditions to address livestock Se deficiency. Different foliar application of sodium selenate dose (0, 10, 20, and 30 g Se ha − 1 ) were assessed on triticale forage yield, quality, and nutrient accumulation over two growing seasons (2017/18 and 2018/19) in Badajoz, Spain. Selenium application significantly increased forage yield by 14% compared to the control, but had varying effects on nutrient content and removal, with 20 g Se ha − 1 producing the highest Mg and Zn accumulation. Forage Se content increased proportionally with application rates (2–4 times higher than control), meeting livestock’s recommended intake of 0.05–0.10 mg Se kg − 1 . However, the highest dose (30 g Se ha − 1 ) had some negative effects on forage quality, such as increased acid detergent fiber and decreased organic matter digestibility. This suggests that the intermediate application of 20 g Se ha − 1 may be an optimal application rate that balances increased Se content with overall forage quality.

Source: Agricultural Research

DOI: 10.1007/s40003-026-00980-w

Authors: C. García-Latorre, A. Rivera-Martín, M. J. Poblaciones

Institution: Universidad de Extremadura

Language: English

Topic: Selenium in Biological Systems

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190