Chromium Methionine Research Articles

Performance of Lactating Cows Fed Rations Supplemented with Chromium Methionine, Non-protected Niacin and Yeast

Performance of Lactating Cows Fed Rations Supplemented with Chromium Methionine, Non-protected Niacin and Yeast

Effects of the combined use of a probiotic and chromium methionine chelate on the functional state of broiler chickens.

An increase in the productivity of broiler chickens is possible when creating an optimal food base that provides birds with all of the nutrients and biologically active substances required for the fullest realization of their genetic potential. In this regard, we examined the effects of the addition of a water-based probiotic and a chelated form of chromium (Cr) to the diet of birds. Sixty 14-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were used in this study. The birds were assigned to two groups of 30 birds according to their body weights. The control broilers received distilled water with the basal diet, and the experimental group received a probiotic preparation in drinking water and Cr methionine chelate (Cr-Met) in the diet. The feeding period lasted 28 days. Growth performance indices were measured throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, blood sampling was performed to assess blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant system indicators, and trace elements. We found that the introduction of a probiotic preparation and a chelated form of Cr into the diet of broiler chickens had a positive effect on meat productivity, which was characterized by a 17% increase in the average daily gain of birds (p = 0.05) and a 14% increase in body weight (p = 0.01). Consequently, the yield of the slaughtered carcass increased by 5.8% (p = 0.05). Against the background of the consumption of the developed diet, broiler chickens exhibited a 14% decrease in feed conversion accompanied by an increase in the level of digestibility of dietary nutrients. In addition, glucose levels were decreased by 20% (p = 0.03) against the background of a 76% increase in the total protein concentration (p = 0.01). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased by 13% (p = 0.02) and 7.5% (p = 0.03), respectively. Elemental analysis of blood serum revealed a 99% decrease in the Fe level versus the control (p = 0.02) and a 31% increase in the Zn level (p = 0.02). We conclude that feeding broiler chickens is a multicomponent probiotic supplement combined with Cr-Met promotes growth and nutrient absorption, and optimizes metabolic processes.

Chromium Methionine and Ractopamine Supplementation in Summer Diets for Grower-Finisher Pigs Reared under Heat Stress.

This study aimed to determine the effects of the dietary supplementation of chromium methionine (CrMet) and ractopamine (RAC) on pigs in the growing-finishing stage under heat stress. The parameters evaluated included productive behavior, blood components, carcass characteristics, organ weight, and meat quality. This study was conducted during the summer season in Sonora, Mexico. The treatments included: (1) control diet (CON), a base diet (BD) formulated to satisfy the nutritional requirements of pigs; (2) RAC, BD plus 10 ppm RAC supplemented during the last 34 days of the study; (3) CrMet-S, BD supplemented with 0.8 ppm of Cr from CrMet during the last 34 days; and (4) CrMet-L, BD supplemented with 0.8 ppm of Cr from CrMet for an 81 d period. RAC supplementation improved the productive behavior and main carcass characteristics of the pigs compared with CON. However, RAC and CrMet supplementation during the last 34 days showed similar results in terms of weight gain, carcass quality, blood components, organ weight, and meat quality. The addition of CrMet-S had a moderate (although not significant) increase in productive performance and carcass weight. These findings are encouraging, as they suggest that CrMet may be a potential alternative for growth promotion. However, more research is needed.

Evaluating oxidative stress and immune response by adding probiotic and chromium methionine during weaning period in dairy calves

Evaluating oxidative stress and immune response by adding probiotic and chromium methionine during weaning period in dairy calves

Effects of dietary supplementation of chromium methionine chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress, hematological indices, and carcass traits of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Meth) chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress parameters, blood biochemistry, and carcass traits of broiler chickens. An experiment was conducted on 34,000 1-day-old straight-run broiler chicks (Indian River; 42.0 ± 0.03) at a commercial farm. The chicks were divided randomly into 3 groups; the first group contained 17,000 birds, which used as a control, whereas the second and third groups consisted of 7000 and 10,000 birds, respectively, with 5 replicates per group. A completely randomized design was used. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing graded levels of Cr-Meth chelate: 0 (control), 50, and 100 g/ton. This compound consisted of chromium (0.4%) chelated with methionine, and it supply the diets with 200 and 400 ppb Cr for the used levels of 50 and 100 g/ton feed, respectively. Growth performance indices (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) were measured throughout the experiment. At the end of experiment, 10 birds per treatment were slaughtered, and the carcass yield with relative weight of the internal organs was determined. Also, blood samples were taken and analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. It was found that Cr-Meth improved the body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Moreover, it reduced the mortality rate of birds. The chelated chromium can alleviate the oxidative status of birds by increasing the plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and reducing the serum malondialdehyde level. It was observed that the effects of 100 g/ton Cr-Meth chelate on performance indices, mortality rate, and oxidative stress parameters were better than that of 50 g/ton inclusion rate. Supplementation of Cr-Meth increased the total protein level, but reduced the glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in the blood serum. In addition, it increased the carcass yield and reduced the abdominal fat percentage of the birds’ carcass. Therefore, chromium can be included in diets of broilers at a rate of 200 to 400 ppb, and the higher concentration was more effective than the lower one. So, it can be recommended to use Cr-Meth chelate in broiler diets at 100 g/ton to improve the productive performance and reduce the oxidative stress of birds.

Effects of different chromium sources on growth performance, serum biochemical, hepatopancreas glycometabolism enzymes activities, IR, GLUT2 and SGLT1 gene expression of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio )

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different chromium sources on the common carp. Four diets (32.2% crude protein and 6% lipids of dry matter) were formulated to add chromium oxide (Cr2O3), chromium picolinate (CrPic) and chromium methionine (CrMet) with 2 mg/kg Cr3+, respectively, and one basal diet. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 60 juvenile common carp (approximately 40.95 ± 4.80 g). The results indicated that fish fed CrMet diets had significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate and feed efficiency than other groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences in the whole body compositions except the lipid content significantly increased in CrMet diets (p < 0.05). Fish that were fed chromium diets had significantly higher lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in serum, succinic acid dehydrogenase and lactic acid in muscle, pyruvate kinase and glycogen synthase in hepatopancreas, lower glucose concentration and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities in hepatopancreas than those given the basal diet (p < 0.05). Insulin receptor (IR) in serum, IR gene expression in hepatopancreas and sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) in intestinal was increased (p < 0.05), while the cortisol decreased significantly in the dietary of CrMet or CrPic (p < 0.05). CrMet supplementation also increased HK activities, up-regulated glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) in hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary addition of CrMet improved growth performance, adjusted glycometabolism enzyme activities, IR, GLUT2 and SGLT1 gene expression and had a significant impact on the carbohydrate utilization of juvenile common carp fed high corn diets compared with CrPic and Cr2O3.

Effect of chromium methionine supplementation on lactation performance, hepatic respiratory rate and anti-oxidative capacity in early-lactating dairy cows

Chromium may regulate dairy cow metabolism; a chelated formation of chromium methionine (Cr-Met) is available to the feed industry. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Cr-Met supplementation on lactation performance, hepatic respiratory rate and anti-oxidative capacity in early-lactating Holstein dairy cows. 64 multiparous cows were assigned to 16 blocks based on parity and milk yield and then the four cows in a block were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with 0, 4, 8 or 16 g/d of Cr-Met per cow supplemented to a basal diet. Cows were moved from an open dry lot to a naturally ventilated tie stall barn 2 weeks before treatment to adapt to this facility, fed and milked at 0630, 1400, and 1930 h every day. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Milk yield and composition were recorded weekly. Dry matter intake was measured every 2 weeks for a total of six times throughout the trial. The plasma variables were measured in weeks 4, 8 and 12 of the experiment. Supplementation of Cr-Met did not affect DM intake of cows. As the supplementation of Cr-Met increased, yields of milk, fat, energy corrected milk (P < 0.01) and lactose (P = 0.01) increased in a linear manner. In terms of plasma variables, insulin concentration decreased in a linear manner with Cr-Met supplementation. As for variables relating to hepatic respiration rate, concentrations of pyruvate and NAD in the plasma were increased in quadratic manners, and lactic dehydrogenase activity was linearly increased as Cr-Met feeding levels increased. Moreover, plasma glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were increased in a linear manner. In conclusion, our study suggested that Cr-Met supplementation improved lactation performance of early-lactating dairy cows through enhancing antioxidant capacity and hepatic cellular respiration.

Effect of organic Chromium on productive, physiological rates, and ameliorating oxidative stress induced of growing Japanese quail under high ambient temperature

This study was designed to determine the effect of Chromium methionine (CrMet) at different levels on growth parameters, blood constituents, immunity, and anti-oxidative properties of growing Japanese quail. A total of 150 7-day old unsexed Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed to five dietary treatments of thirty birds to a treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times with ten birds to a replicate. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated. CrMet was added to the basal diet at five different levels being 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg /kg diet, respectively. CrMet supplementation improved body weight (BW) at 6 weeks of age by 2.3%. compared with those on diet 1 (control). Feed intake (FI) increased gradually by increasing CrMet levels in the diets compared with the control group and the group fed on 200 mg CrMet /kg diet. The best (P≤ 0.05) value of feed conversion ratio (FCR) was noticed in group fed 600 mg CrMet /kg as compared with other experimental groups. CrMet improved (P ≤ 0.01) the thymus, heart and testes weights, white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV%), and monocytes of growing Japanese quail. Also, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total antioxidant capacity, while albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid peroxide concentrations contents decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.01). In summary, inclusion of CrMet in growing quail diets may exert beneficial effects on growth parameters, blood constituents, immunity, and anti-oxidative properties.

Leverage of Chromium Methionine Supplementation in Laying Japanese Quail’s Diets on Performance, Quality, and Blood Traits Challenged by Heat Stress

Leverage of Chromium Methionine Supplementation in Laying Japanese Quail’s Diets on Performance, Quality, and Blood Traits Challenged by Heat Stress

PSVI-7 Effects of feeding chromium- and zinc- amino acid complexes on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing bulls fed zilpaterol hydrochloride for the last 30 days in the feedlot

Abstract A 2 x 2 factorial study was conducted to evaluate main and interaction effects of feeding amino acid complexed sources of Zn (Zn-AAC; 40 mg /kg DM from Availa® Zn; Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) and Cr (chromium methionine; Cr-Met; 0.20 mg / kg DM from Availa® Cr; Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) fed in combination or separately, compared to an iso-Zn level Control (CON) group that provided Zn from ZnSO4 (80 mg Zn∙kg-1DM) with no supplemental source of Cr. Treatments were replicated into 4 pens with 5 finishing Bos taurus x Bos indicus bullocks/pen (80 bullocks; BW= 421 kg). Treatment diets were initiated 28 d prior to starting zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZIL; 15 mg/kg BW) with ZIL fed daily for 33 d followed by a 4 d withdrawal before harvest. During the ZIL-feeding Zn-ACC x Cr-Met interactions were present for ADG and Gain:Feed (G:F) where Zn-ACC improved ADG (P≤ 0.05) and Cr-Met improved G:F vs. CON. Effects may have been mediated by differences in DM intake (DMI), where DMI was numerically increased by Zn-ACC and decreased (P ≤ 0.01) by Cr-Met. Overall, feeding Cr-Met moderated DMI and improved G:F (P ≤ 0.05). Measures of carcass composition were not affected by Zn-ACC or Cr-Met. Hot carcass weight was increased (P ≤ 0.05) by feeding Zn-ACC and tended to increase with Cr-Met. Daily carcass gain increased from feeding either Zn-ACC or Cr-Met during the ZIL phase and overall study. Feeding Zn-ACC was a primary driver during the ZIL period and overall trial for increasing growth rate, with little or no influence on DM intake while feeding Cr-Met moderated DM intake to improve dietary and energetic efficiency. Balancing the feeding levels of Zn-ACC and Cr-Met will be key to optimizing the overall biological response and net return.

Efficacy of dietary supplementation of nanoparticles-chromium, chromium-methionine and zinc-proteinate, on performance of Japanese quail under physiological stress

The effects of dietary Nanoparticles-Chromium, Chromium methionine, and Zinc-proteinate on performance, blood characteristics and meat quality of physiologically stressed quails were studied. The stress was induced by adding dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg BW) to diet when quails were between 17 and 22 days of age. Three hundred one-day chicks were randomly assigned to five groups comprising four replicates of 15 birds: negative control diet (no-stress, no-additive), positive control diet (stress, no-additive), and stress additive diets which included three diets containing 800 µg/kg of Nano-Cr, 800 µg/kg Cr-met, and 60 mg/kg Zn-pro. Performance and hematological parameters were affected by physiological stress (p < .05), but were not affected by dietary Nano-Cr, Cr-met or Zn-pro. During the stress period, feed consumption was improved by Zn-pro supplementation. By the end of the experiment, the ultimate pH value of the muscle in stressed birds, which were fed on the Cr-met diet, was higher than those treated with NC, but pH values were not affected by the treatments. Diets containing Nano-Cr and Zn-pro caused a reduction in malondialdehyde concentration in the thigh muscle. In summary, 800 µg/kg of Nano-Cr and 60 mg/kg of Zn-pro can reduce the negative effects of stress on meat quality. Highlights Dietary dexamethasone induced physiological stress in quails. The supplementation of 60 mg/kg of Zinc proteinate had positive effect on feed intake of birds under physiological stress. Dietary Zinc proteinate and Nanoparticles-Chromium increased meat oxidative stability in birds which experienced physiological stress.

Zinc amino acid complex in association with chromium methionine improves the feed efficiency of finished Nellore cattle in the feedlot

Trace minerals are vital to the metabolism and performance of beef cattle and may improve meat quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Zn amino acid complex (ZnAA) fed alone or in association with a Cr methionine complex (CrMet) on the performance and meat quality of Nellore cattle finished in a feedlot. Three hundred thirty-six Nellore bulls were blocked by body weight (BW; 342 ± 24.5 kg) and assigned to one of the following three dietary treatments: a control diet containing 54 mg/kg of Zn from an inorganic source of minerals (CON); a diet providing 21.6 mg/kg of Zn from an inorganic source with 32.4 mg/kg of a Zn amino acid complex (ZnAA); and a diet providing 21.6 mg/kg of Zn from an inorganic source with 32.4 mg/kg of a Zn amino acid complex combined with 0.36 mg/kg of a CrMet complex (ZnCr). The total number of days on the diets was 130 days, with an initial 35-d period for dietary acclimation to the finishing diet. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the pen as the experimental unit (36 pens). Blood parameters and meat quality were analyzed as repeated measures (from 72 animals; 2 animals/pen). The final BW, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily gain (ADG) was similar among the treatments (P ≥ 0.261). The overall mean DMI, final BW, and ADG were 9.15 kg/d, 535 kg, and 1.49 kg/d, respectively. Feeding ZnCr improved efficiency (P = 0.011) compared with the ZnAA and CON bulls. Leucocytes, aminotransferase, β-hydroxybutyric acid, cholesterol, glucose, and cortisol were affected (P ≤ 0.038) by time but not by dietary treatment. Flight speed and serum cortisol level were unaffected (P ≥ 0.518) by dietary treatment. No significant treatment effects (P ≥ 0.169) were detected for hot carcass weight, fat, pH, temperature, liver, kidney, or KPH. Treatment tended to alter the area of the Longissimus muscle (P = 0.081). The Longissimus muscle area was greater for bulls fed ZnCr than for bulls fed ZnAA or CON (80.6 vs. 77.5 cm2). There was a tendency (P = 0.073) for decreased Warner-Bratzler shear force in animals fed ZnCr. Tenderness was improved by 12.3 % compared with CON. Individual fatty acids (P ≥ 0.171) and total fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated; P ≥ 0.392) did not differ among the treatments. These data suggest that finishing Nellore bulls fed ZnCr in a feedlot setting exhibited greater efficiency and tended to exhibit improved meat tenderness compared with bulls fed ZnAA.

Dietary supplemental chromium and niacin influence the growth performance and fat deposition in lambs

Context Nowadays fat is an unpopular constituent of meat for consumers and therefore, a decrease in fat-tail size is often desirable for producers. Feed additives like chromium (Cr) and niacin (B3) have been reported to improve meat quality in beef and dairy cattle. However, their effect on meat quality and performance of fat-tail breeds of finishing lambs is unknown. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental chromium (Cr) and niacin (B3) on performance and fat deposition of carcass of finishing lambs. Methods Twenty male Zandi lambs (23.7 ± 0.73 kg) were allocated into one of four treatments: (1) control; (2) 300 µg/ kg DM Cr as chromium methionine; (3) 200 mg/kg DM B3 as rumen-protected niacin; and (4) 300 µg/ kg DM Cr as chromium methionine + 200 mg/kg DM B3 as rumen-protected niacin. Key results Chromium and B3 supplementation decreased blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Lambs fed diet supplemented with B3 consumed more feed with a higher growth (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with other groups. There were no significant differences in feed efficiency, hot carcass weight, and dressing percentage among experimental groups. However, there was a decrease in the subcutaneous, abdominal, tail and total carcass fat in Cr supplemented lambs (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared with other experimental groups. The expression level of acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and diglyceride acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) genes was lower in Cr groups of lambs compared with other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions These results indicated that organic Cr supplementation improved meat quality by reducing fat accumulation, whereas B3 supplementation resulted in higher growth rate and feed intake. Implications Results showed that chromium supplementation reduces expression level of acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 and diglyceride acyltransferase 2 genes resulting in lower level of subcutaneous, abdominal, tail and total carcass fat of finishing lambs.

Effects of different sources and levels of dietary chromium supplementation on performance of broiler chicks.

The current experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different dietary chromium supplementation sources, chromium oxide (Cr2 O3 ), chromium methionine (Cr-Met), or chromium yeast (Cr-yeast), at different levels each (500 or 1,000ppb) on growth performance, physiological traits, and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. A total of 490 seven-day-old Arbor Acres chicks were randomly distributed into 7 experimental groups each in 10 replicates of 7 birds each. The groups were control, 500ppb Cr2 O3 , 1,000ppb Cr2 O3 , 500ppb Cr-Met, 1,000ppb Cr-Met, 500ppb Cr-yeast, and 1,000ppb Cr-yeast. The results showed significant superiority of the organic chromium sources (Cr-Met or Cr-yeast) concerning body weight and weight gain, the group supplemented with 1,000ppb Cr-yeast consumed the lowest feed (3,185g) and had the best feed conversion ratio (1.60) compared to the control (1.73). The chromium treatments recorded significantly better protein and lipid profile, antioxidant status, and immunological parameters than the control group. Similarly, dietary chromium supplementation increased carcass yield and decreased intestinal pathogenic bacteria. In conclusion, supplementing broiler diets with organic chromium sources at 1,000ppb promotes growth performance, physiological traits, and carcass characteristics; such chromium treatments enhanced the antioxidant status and immunity levels of broilers.

Dietary supplementation with pioglitazone hydrochloride and chromium methionine manipulates lipid metabolism with related genes to improve the intramuscular fat and fatty acid profile of yellow-feathered chickens.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been thought to play a crucial role in improving meat quality. Considering the ability of pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ) to deposit fat, and the anti-stress capability of chromium methionine (CrMet), we combined these compounds to produce higher quality meat in poultry. A total of 3000 female chickens were divided into four groups (five replicates, each with 150 chickens): control, control plus15 mg·kg-1 PGZ, control plus 200 μg·kg-1 CrMet, and control plus15 mg·kg-1 PGZ plus 200 μg·kg-1 CrMet. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Compared to the control group and the PGZ group, the average daily gain (ADG) was significantly increased in the PGZ plus CrMet group, whereas the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) was decreased from 0 to 14 days. Meanwhile, the redness value of breast muscle and IMF of thigh muscle increased in the PGZ plus CrMet group compared with the control group and these detections in the PGZ plus CrMet group exhibited highest value among the four groups. The cooking loss decreased in the breast muscle and thigh muscle after PGZ combined with CrMet in diets. The percentages of C16:1, C18:2n-6 and PUFAs increased in the PGZ plus CrMet group. The mRNA abundance of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ, PPAR coactivator 1 α, and fatty acid binding protein 3 was significantly enhanced with PGZ plus CrMet supplementation. Collectively, dietary supplementation with PGZ plus CrMet improved growth performance and meat quality by decreasing the cooking loss and increasing the IMF and PUFA levels. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of pigs fed sorghum-soybean meal diets with chromium methionine supplementation at different stages

Se evaluó el efecto de la suplementación con metionina de cromo (Met-Cr) sobre el desempeño productivo y características de la canal en cerdos en finalización. Se evaluaron 3 tratamientos; 1) testigo en donde los cerdos fueron alimentados con dietas de finalización de 60 a 100 kg; 2) testigo + 0.8 mg de Cr/kg de alimento desde 60 hasta 100 kg; y 3) testigo + 0.8 mg de Cr/kg de alimento desde 80 hasta 100 kg. Los cerdos suplementados con MetCr consumieron menos alimento (P≤0.05), crecieron más rápido (P≤0.05) y fueron más pesados (P≤0.05) y más eficientes (P≤0.05) que los cerdos testigo, pero el efecto benéfico fue mayor cuando la suplementación inició a menor peso. La adición de Met-Cr incrementó el área del músculo Longissimus dorsi (P≤0.01), el rendimiento de canal (P≤0.01) y redujo el espesor de grasa dorsal (P≤0.01). Además, la carne de cerdos suplementados presentó valores de pH y luminosidad (L*) más bajos (P≤0.01) que de cerdos testigo. Incluso, el consumo de Met-Cr redujo las pérdidas a la cocción (P≤0.01) y la fuerza de corte (P≤0.01), pero el efecto sobre la suavidad fue mayor al suplementar a menor peso. En conclusión, la suplementación de Met-Cr en cerdos mejora el desempeño productivo, las características de la canal y algunos indicadores de calidad de la carne, pero la etapa en que inicia la suplementación con Cr puede afectar la respuesta animal.

IMPACT OF ORGANIC CHROMIUM ON SOME PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF GROWING BARKI LAMBS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chromium methionine on some productive performances and physiological responses of growing Barki lambs. Thirty-three lambs averaged 35.37 kg body weight; 5 months old were divided into 3 similar groups of 11 animals according to their live weight. The three groups were assigned at random to the three experimental groups as follow: G1: control ration without chromium, G2: control ration with 1.50 mg chromium/head/day, G3: control ration with 3 mg chromium/head/day. The growth trial was conducted for 90 days. Lambs were weighed every two weeks before morning feeding after 15 h of fasting. Body weight gain was recorded and daily feed intake was calculated. Dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude protein (DCP) intake were calculated. Feed efficiency ratio was calculated. Results indicated that, either G2: 1.50 mg /head/day or G3: 3 mg /head/day Cr supplementation had no effects on the digestibility of DM, OM, CP , EE and DCP, but G3 (3 mg /head/day). But had significant (P<0.05) increase on digestibility of CF, NFE and TDN compared with G2 and control group. At the same time Cr supplementation did not affect onglobulin, creatinine, ALT and AST in blood plasma. Furthermore, no effect on urea. At the same time G3 (3 mg /head/day) Cr supplementation led to increase protein, albumin and blood glucose compared with G2 and control group. In addition, Cr supplementation had no effects on rumen pH, Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA’s) and ammonia concentrations at zero time and at 4 hours post feeding. At the same time G2 (1.50 mg /head/day) or G3 (3 mg Cr/head/day) had significant (P<0.05) increase total weight gain and average daily gain. Thus, Cr supplementation in G2 and G3 improved feed efficiency. From the present results it can be concluded that supplementation of Cr in organic form led to positive effect on deferent performances as a result of improving physiological responses.

Dietary Supplementation with Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Chromium Methionine Improves Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Antioxidant Ability in Finishing Pigs

This work was designed to investigate the synergistic effects of pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ) and chromium methionine (CrMet) on meat quality, muscle fatty acid profile, and antioxidant ability of pigs. Pigs in four groups were fed a basic diet or basic diet supplemented with 15 mg/kg of PGZ, 200 μg/kg of CrMet, or 15 mg/kg of PGZ + 200 μg/kg of CrMet. In comparison to the control group, the average daily feed intake, feed/gain ratio, and serum high-density lipoprotein level decreased in the PGZ + CrMet group. Dietary PGZ + CrMet supplementation increased carcass dressing percentage, intramuscular fat, and marbling score. The percentages of C18:1ω-9c, C18:2ω-6c, C18:3ω-3, and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the longissimus thoracis muscle were increased in the PGZ + CrMet group. Greater superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were observed in the PGZ + CrMet group compared to the control group. Collectively, these findings suggested that feed with PGZ and CrMet improved the growth performance and meat quality, especially for PUFA proportions and antioxidant ability.

Supplementation of Cr Methionine During Dry Period of Dairy Cows and Its Effect on Some Production and Biochemical Parameters During Early Lactation and on Immunity of Their Offspring

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary chromium methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation on the production and immunological parameters of dairy cows during the dry and postpartum period and their offspring. Forty-five Holstein transition cows were randomly assigned to experimental groups with control, positive control (levamisole-injected cows), and treatment groups (5g dietary Cr-Met/day/cow). Production, immunological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed during the dry and postpartum period. Result revealed that in dry cows, monocyte count and serum glucose level significantly (p < 0.05) decrease in Cr-supplemented cows over control. Similarly, after parturition, the numbers of all immune cells (except monocytes) decreased significantly (p < 0.05); however, serum IgG, ALT, AST, glucose levels, and total leucocyte, neutrophil, and leucocyte count were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in Cr-supplemented cows over the control group. Days in milk (DIM) of treatment cows were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased over the control group; however, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed on milk production, colostrum, and IgG concentrations. As a conclusion, the supplementation of Cr had positive effects on immune cells of cows after parturition; however, serum biochemical parameters remained unaffected. Also, there were significant differences on the number of total leucocyte and neutrophil, on the activity of ALT at birthday, and on the number of total leucocyte at postpartum for calves.

Effects of dietary supplemental chromium methionine, zinc oxide, and ascorbic acid on performance, egg quality traits, and blood parameters of laying hens subjected to heat stress

ABSTRACTBased on a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, the effects of three dietary supplemental including chromium methionine (Cr) (0 and 400 μg/kg diet), zinc oxide (Zn) (0 and 30 mg/kg diet), and vitamin C (VitC) (0 and 250 mg/kg diet) on egg production (EP) and mass (EM) and egg traits in heat-stressed (HS) Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens from 30 to 45 weeks of age were evaluated. The house temperature was kept at 18°C (weeks 30–40 of age) and then increased to 32°C (weeks 41–45 of age). Dietary treatments had no significant effects on EP, egg weight, EM, and feed conversation ratio before and after exposure to heat stress (P > 0.05). Decreased feed intake intake was observed in group of VitC during exposing to HS (P < 0.05). Dietary supplemental Cr decreased serum glucose concentration before HS (P < 0.05). A combination of Cr and VitC increased serum glucose concentration before and during HS (P < 0.05). Decreased serum concentration of Zn was detected in hens fed the diets with VitC, Cr, or Zn (P < 0.05). Increased serum concentration of Cr was observed in hens fed the diets supplemented with Cr (P < 0.05).