During the periparturient period, selenium deficiency is associated with increased production of β‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), responsible for triggering lipid mobilisation and activation of the NF‐κB (Nuclear Factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells) signalling pathway. This evidence concerns the gene NFKB1 and selenium deficiency.