Derivatives of seleno-amino acids

Abstract

Derivatives of seleno-alpha amino acids, particularly selenomethionine as enhanced bioavailable sources of selenium in animal diets.

1 . A method of selenium supplementation of animals, comprising adding to animal feed a complex of a seleno alpha amino acids and/or a biological active derivative thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the seleno alpha amino acid is L-Selenomethionine and the biologically active derivative is a C 1  to C 3  ester. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the ester is isopropyl. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the biologically active derivative is an N-succinyl derivative. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the biologically active derivative is an N-carbomyl derivative. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the biologically active derivative is a hydantoin derivative. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the animals are selected from the group of swine and poultry and the amount added is at a level of 0.05 to 2.0 ppm of selenium. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the amount added is at a level of 0.1 to 0.3 ppm of selenium. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the animal is domesticated cattle and the amount added is from 0.05 mg to 10 mg of selenium per head per day. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the amount added is from 2 to 7 mg of selenium per head per day.