Selenium Content of Bison, Elk and Mule Deer

Abstract

ABSTRACT Selenium (Se) content of elk, mule deer, bison and beef skeletal muscle was measured and compared. Selenium content was determined by graphite furnace after wet nitric acid digestion. Game samples did not differ in Se content but contained more Se than beef (wet weight) (P<0.05). On dry weight basis, deer contained more Se than elk, bison or beef (P<0.05). Within samples from male elk and deer, and elk and bison of both genders, there were interactions between species and muscles (P<0.05). Type of muscle and gender did not influence Se content (P<0.05). Selenium toxicity from consuming game that foraged in high selenium environments is remote.