What mineral deficiency can lead to muscular dystrophy in young horses?

Selenium deficiency is the mineral linked with the development of muscular dystrophy in young horses, specifically a condition known as white muscle disease. Selenium plays a crucial role in muscle function by supporting the antioxidant defense system. When selenium levels are inadequate, oxidative stress can damage muscle cells, resulting in degeneration and dysfunction.

In young horses, this is particularly significant as their muscles are developing, and the impact of low selenium can be more pronounced. The condition can manifest as stiffness, weakness, and muscle tremors, which are characteristic symptoms of muscular dystrophy. Furthermore, selenium works in tandem with vitamin E as an antioxidant; thus, an improper balance can exacerbate the effects of deficiency.

Other minerals like zinc, iodine, and calcium have essential roles in various physiological processes, but they do not specifically cause muscular dystrophy in the manner that selenium deficiency does. Zinc is important for immune function and wound healing, iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, and calcium is critical for bone health and muscle contractions, yet their deficiencies do not result in the same muscular degeneration seen with a lack of selenium.