Selenium Deficiency in the Duck: Serum Ascorbic Acid Levels in Developing Muscular Dystrophy

The influence of selenium deficiency sufficient to produce muscular dystrophy (MD) in ducks on the level of ascorbic acid in the serum and liver was measured. Selenium deficiency resulted in moderately severe to severe MD in 16–24 days and a marked decline (P < .001) in the serum levels of ascorbic acid with time in the affected groups. The liver levels of ascorbic acid also declined during that time period in both groups. These data were interpreted to suggest that selenium-deprived ducks may also be deprived of ascorbic acid.