Efficacy of trivalent chromium on growth performance, carcass characteristics and tissue chromium in heat‐stressed broiler chicks

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUND: Trivalent chromium (Cr) is usually claimed to have a positive effect on growth and carcass traits in livestock. The objective of this study was to comparatively assess the effects of 6 weeks of treatment with different forms of Cr (500 µg kg−1), namely Cr nanocomposite (CrNano), Cr picolinate (CrPic) and Cr chloride (CrCl3), on growth performance, carcass characteristics and tissue Cr in heat‐stressed broiler chicks.RESULTS: Supplementation of CrNano and CrPic significantly increased average daily gain, feed efficiency, carcass yields and lean muscles and decreased abdominal fat. In addition, CrNano significantly increased protein contents in breast and thigh muscles and lowered fat and cholesterol levels in thigh muscles. CrPic significantly increased thigh muscle protein content and decreased thigh muscle fat and cholesterol levels. Dietary addition of CrNano, CrPic and CrCl3 resulted in significant increases of Cr content in serum, liver and kidney. Moreover, supplemental CrNano produced significant increments of Cr deposit in breast and thigh muscles.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that supplementation of Cr in the form of CrNano and CrPic might be an effective tool for enhancing the growth performance and carcass traits of broiler chicks in heat‐stressed condition. CrNano seemed to have greater beneficial effects in comparison with CrPic. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry