Chromium Propionate Supplementation Research Articles

PSV-25 Investigating the effects of Chromium Propionate supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of beef cows

Abstract We investigated the effects of Chromium Propionate supplementation on reproductive performance of beef cows from pre-partum to weaning. Suckled beef cows at nine locations were enrolled in the study. Within location, cows were stratified by parity, dam age, and day postpartum (DPP) and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) Control, supplementation of a mineral product at 113 gּ animal-1ּ d-1 (n = 464 cows; 13 experimental units); or 2) CrP, supplementation of mineral product at 113 gּ animal-1ּ d-1 containing 1.4 g of Chromium Propionate (0.4%KemTRACE Chromium 0.4%, Kemin Industries, Inc., Des Moines, IA; n = 489 cows; 13 experimental units). Treatments were initiated at approximately 37 d pre-calving until weaning for a total of 250 ± 12 d. Cows were enrolled in the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) protocol followed by natural service for a 70-d breeding season. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography at 55 d after TAI protocol and 40 d after the end of the breeding season. Cow body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded at initiation of the TAI protocol (d -10), at pregnancy diagnosis (d 55 and 110), and at weaning (d 285). Within group, mineral disappearance was determined by the difference in weight between offered mineral and refusals. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX and MIXED procedures of SAS with pasture/group as the experimental unit with the effect of treatment and included group (treatment × location), cow (group), and location as random variables. Age, DPP, d -10 BCS, and BW were similar (P > 0.05) between treatments (5.4 and 5.3 ± 0.61 yr, 79.2 and 79.9 ± 4.61 d, 5.1 and 5.2 ± 0.05, 515.7 and 515.6 ± 15.11 kg for Control and CrP, respectively). Mineral disappearance was similar (P = 0.999) between treatments (165.5 and 152.9 gּ animal-1ּ d-1, for Control and CrP, respectively). Cow BW was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments on d 55, 110 and 285 (558.5 and 551.4 ± 14.50 kg, 580.8 and 594.6 ± 13.51 kg, and 574.2 and 570.9 ± 14.32 kg for Control and CrP, respectively). Similarly, cow BCS did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments on d 55, 110 and 285 (5.4 and 5.4 ± 0.09, 5.3 and 5.3 ± 0.10, and 5.1 and 5.2 ± 0.10 for Control and CrP, respectively). Calf birth and weaning BW were similar (P > 0.05) between treatments. However, CrP-supplemented cows tended (P = 0.081) to have greater estrus expression (60.2 and 68.3 ± 3.1 %, for Control and CrP, respectively) and CrP-supplemented cows had greater (P = 0.045) TAI pregnancy rate when compared with Control cows (49.9 and 55.2 ± 2.1 %). Supplementation of Chromium Propionate to beef cows from pre-partum through weaning did not affect cow BW and BCS, tended to increase estrus expression and increased TAI pregnancy rate.

22 Effects of trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation on rumen fermentation, growth performance, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef steers

Abstract Crossbred beef steers [n = 400; body weight (BW) = 370 ± 8 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr) on rumen fermentation characteristics, plasma glucose and mineral concentrations, performance, and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Steers were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned within block to 1 of 4 treatments (10 steers/pen) with 10 pens per treatment. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors included: 1) TM source [sulfate or hydroxychloride (IntelliBond] Cu, Mn, and Zn TM supplemented at 18, 40, and 90 mg/kg DM, respectively) and 2) with or without supplemental Cr (KemTRACE) at 0.0 or 0.25 mg/kg DM. Steers were individually weighed on d -1 and 0 and every 28 d throughout the experiment. Jugular blood samples and rumen contents were collected from 10 steers per treatment on d 28 and 84 of the experiment for plasma glucose and TM concentration and volatile fatty acid analysis, respectively. On d 154 of the experiment, steers were harvested at a commercial abattoir and carcass data was collected. Data were analyzed on a pen mean basis for a randomized complete block design using PROC MIXED of SAS. There was no TM source by Cr supplementation interactions for any of the response variables measured, therefore only main effects are reported. Overall ADG (P = 0.03) and gain:feed (P = 0.02) were greater in steers receiving supplemental Cr when compared with steers not supplemented with Cr. Hot carcass weight (P = 0.04), dressing percentage (P = 0.01), longissimus muscle area (P = 0.03), and USDA yield grades (P = 0.04) were greater in steers receiving hydroxychloride TM compared with steers receiving sulfate TM. Steers supplemented with Cr had a greater dressing percentage (P = 0.01) and longissimus muscle area (P = 0.04) compared with steers not supplemented with Cr. On d 28 of the experiment, ruminal acetate concentrations were lesser (P = 0.01) and ruminal propionate concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.12) in steers receiving hydroxychloride TM compared with steers receiving sulfate TM. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater ruminal acetate concentrations (P = 0.04) and plasma glucose concentrations (P = 0.05) on d 28 of the experiment when compared with non-supplemented controls. These data indicate the Cr supplementation and TM source can influence feedlot steer performance, carcass characteristics, and rumen fermentation characteristics.

231 Ovarian follicle diameter and corpus luteum volume of beef cows enrolled in fixed-time artificial insemination while receiving chromium propionate supplementation

Abstract We investigated the effects of chromium propionate (CrP) supplementation on reproductive performance of beef cows during the pre-partum and breeding periods. Angus-based commercial suckled beef cows were stratified by predicted calving date, body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) Control, (n = 30) supplementation of a corn gluten, soy hull pellet feed (50:50) with a mineral pack at 1 kg ּ cows-1 d-1; or 2) CrP, (n = 32) supplementation at 1 kgּ cow-1ּּ d-1 of a corn gluten, soy hull pellet feed (50:50) with a mineral pack containing 1.4 g of CrP (KemTRACE chromium 0.4%, Kemin Industries, Inc., Des Moines, IA). Cows remained on a single pasture equipped with feed bunks capable of monitoring individual supplement intake (SmartFeed, C-lock Inc., Rapid City, SD). Treatments were initiated at 92 d prepartum and ended on d 35 post fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI), for a total of 127 d. Cows were enrolled in the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR TAI protocol. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed to determine diameter of the largest follicle, and the volume of a corpus luteum (CL) on d -10, -3, 0 (TAI day), and 7. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography on d 35. Cow BW was recorded on d -92, 0, and 35. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX and MIXED procedures of SAS with cow as the experimental and fixed effect of treatment. Age, days postpartum, and initial BW were similar (P > 0.05) between treatments (7.4 and 7.2 ± 0.61 yr, 81.3 and 80.8 ± 4.61 d, 526.2 and 528.6 ± 16.21 kg for Control and CrP, respectively). Supplement intake was similar (P = 0.534) between treatments (1.22 and 1.03 gּ cow-1ּּ d-1, for Control and CrP, respectively). Cow BW was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments on d 0 and 35 (548.5 and 551.4 ± 13.50 kg, 562.8 and 574.6 ± 11.41 kg, for Control and CrP, respectively). Furthermore, estrus expression and TAI pregnancy rate was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments (62.1 and 61.1 ± 1.2% estrus, 55.1 and 81.2 ± 20.1% TAI pregnancy rate, for Control and CrP, respectively). However, CrP cows had a larger follicle (P = 0.028) on d 0 (13.79 and 15.56 ± 0.58 mm, for Control and CrP, respectively). Additionally, on d 7, CrP cows had an increased (P = 0.038) CL volume (15.24 and 17.55 ± 0.68 mm3, for Control and CrP, respectively). Supplementation of CrP to beef cows from the pre-partum until breeding did not change cow BW, but increased follicle diameter at TAI and subsequent CL volume.

28 Investigating the effects of Chromium Propionate supplementation on reproductive performance of beef cows

Abstract The objective of this study was to explore the effects on reproductive performance of beef cows supplemented with Chromium Propionate during the post-partum and breeding periods. A total of 955 multiparous suckled beef cows located at eight locations were enrolled in the study. Within location cows were stratified based on parity, body condition score (BCS), and days postpartum (DPP) and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) Control- supplementation of a mineral product at 113 g animal/d (n = 484 cows; 16 experimental units); or 2) CrP - supplementation of mineral product at 113 g animal/d containing Chromium Propionate (0.4% animal/d, KemTRACE, Kemin Industries; n = 471 cows; 16 experimental units). Mineral supplementation was offered starting at 45 d pre-breeding, during the breeding season, and until weaning for a total of approximately 150 d. Cows were enrolled in a fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) using the 7-d CO-Synch+CIDR protocol followed by natural service with clean-up bulls 7 d after TAI, for a 70-d total breeding season. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography 55 d after TAI and again approximately 40 d after the end of the breeding season. Cow body weight (BW) and BCS were recorded at the beginning of the experiment (d -45), at the initiation of the TAI protocol (d -10), at each pregnancy diagnosis (d 55 and 110), and at weaning (d 150). Mineral intake was estimated based on the difference in weight between offered mineral and refusals. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX, for binomial data, and MIXED, for continuous data, procedures of SAS. Cow initial BW and DPP were similar (P > 0.10) between treatments (584 ± 198 kg and 78 ± 3 d, respectively). Estimated mineral intake was similar (P = 0.52) between treatments (119.6 ± 10.3 g and 124.5 ± 10.4 g animal/d, for Control and CrP, respectively). Supplementation of CrP did not influence estrus expression (58.3% vs 61.0% ± 2.5 %; P = 0.45), TAI pregnancy rates (63.1% vs 60.1 % ± 2.9 %; P = 0.56), or final breeding season pregnancy rates (94.2% vs 94.7% ± 2.9 %; P = 0.86), for CrP and Control, respectively. Chromium Propionate supplementation did not affect (P > 0.10) final cow BCS and BW (5.2 ± 0.03; 562.9 ± 169.93 kg). In conclusion, Chromium Propionate supplementation delivered via an oral mineral supplement during the pre-breeding and breeding periods did not influence reproductive performance and changes in BW and BCS of beef cows.

Trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation affect performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.

Angus-crossbred steers (n = 400; 369.7 ± 7.6kg) were used to determine the influence of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr Prop) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal and plasma variables in finishing steers. Steers were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within block to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) TM source (STM or HTM) and 2) Cr supplementation (0 or 0.25mg Cr/kg DM, -Cr or + Cr, respectively). Treatments consisted of the addition of: 1) sulfate TM (STM; 90, 40, and 18mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), 2) STM and 0.25mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop, 3) hydroxychloride TM (HTM; 90, 40, and 18mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), and 4) HTM and 0.25mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop. Each treatment consisted of 10 replicate pens with 10 steers per pen. Body weights were obtained on consecutive days at the initiation and termination of the 154-d study. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Ractopamine hydrochloride was fed for the last 31 d of the study. Ruminal fluid and blood samples were obtained from one steer per pen on days 28 and 84 for ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and plasma TM and glucose analysis. Steers were slaughtered at the end of the study and individual carcass data were collected. No Cr × TM source interactions (P = 0.48)were detected. Steers supplemented with HTM had greater (P = 0.04) hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), longissimus muscle (LM) area, and USDA yield grade (YG), and tended (P = 0.12) to have greater average daily gain (ADG) than those receiving STM. Average daily gain, gain:feed, dressing percentage, and longissimus muscle area were greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for + Cr steers. Ruminal acetate concentrations at 28 d were lesser (P = 0.01) for HTM vs. STM steers, and greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn were not affected by TM source or Cr supplementation. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater (P = 0.05) plasma glucose concentrations than-Cr steers at 28 but not at 84 d. Results of this study indicate replacing STM with HTM improved carcass characteristics in finishing steers, and Cr Prop supplementation improved steer performance and carcass characteristics.

Chromium propionate supplementation to energy- and protein-reduced diets reduces feed consumption but improves feed conversion ratio of yellow-feathered male broilers in the early period and improves meat quality

Growth performance and carcass traits may be retarded by low nutrient density diets. Organic chromium propionate (CrProp) can improve growth, carcass traits, and meat quality in farmed lambs, white broilers, and fish. Limited data regarding CrProp's impacts on yellow feathered broilers are available. Eight hundred yellow-feathered male broilers (1-d old) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary groups and reared for 56 d. The trial was a 2 (dietary nutrient density) ×2 (CrProp) factorial arrangement with 4 diets: regular nutrient diet and low nutrient density (LND, reduction in metabolizable energy by 81 kcal and crude protein by 0.43%) diet supplemented with or without 200 mg/kg CrProp. Broilers were euthanized at d 56 after blood collection. The results indicated that the LND diet led to greater average daily feed intake (ADFI) from d 1 to 42 and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 22 to 42 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of CrProp improved body weight (BW) from d 1 to 56, average daily gain (ADG), and FCR during d 1 to 42 but reduced ADFI during d 1 to 21, as well as lowered abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.05). Supplementation with CrProp to regular and LND diets reduced ADFI but improved FCR from d 1 to 21 (P < 0.05). The LND diet lowered total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the jejunal mucosa. CrProp elevated T-AOC levels and glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px, P < 0.05). Dietary CrProp upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of fatty acid transporter (FABP1) gene and peptide transporter (Pept1) gene. CrProp administration increased jejunal FABP1 expression and lowered cooking loss of breast meat (P <0.05) in the LND group while reducing shear force (P = 0.009) of broilers treated by regular diet. In summary, CrProp administration to the LND diet can improve growth performance in the starter period and meat quality on d 56, possibly through upregulated nutrient transporter gene expression in the jejunum and enhanced antioxidant capability.

Effects of chromium propionate supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation patterns, and antioxidant status in Holstein cows under heat stress

Chromium propionate (CrP) supplementation has the potential effects on mitigating metabolic stress on dairy cows, however, the effect of increased CrP supply on alleviating heat stress of mid-lactation cows is rarely evaluated. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of CrP supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation patterns, and antioxidant status in dairy cows under heat stress. Sixty-four Holstein dairy cows in mid-lactation with similar parity (2.1 ± 0.2), current milk production (40 ± 1.4 kg/d), and days in milk (143 ± 7.8 d) were randomly allocated to one of four treatments with a completely randomized design. After a 7-day adaptation period, cows were fed CrP at doses of 0, 4, 8, and 12 mg/d of Cr per head for 49 d. The average temperature humidity index (THI) was 77 during the experimental period. The average respiration rate and rectal temperature decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation. Dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and milk lactose yield increased quadratically (P < 0.05) with increasing CrP supplementation, whereas 4% fat-corrected milk was not affected by treatments, and feed efficiency tended to decrease quadratically (P = 0.07). The percentage of milk protein and lactose increased linearly (P = 0.05) with increasing CrP supplementation, whereas milk urea-N concentration and somatic cell count decreased quadratically (P < 0.01). Although total-tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and ether extract was not affected by CrP supplementation, neutral detergent fiber digestibility increased quadratically (P = 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation. The concentrations of milk Cr and urinary Cr were not affected by CrP supplementation. Ruminal pH, the concentration of total VFA and ammonia-N, and the molar proportion of propionate and butyrate were not affected by treatments, whereas the molar proportion of acetate increased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation. The blood urea-N concentration decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) and the concentration of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase increased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation, while the ratio of glucose to insulin and the concentration of glucose and malonaldehyde did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, CrP supplementation could increase milk yield in mid-lactation cows under heat stress by increasing DMI, reducing respiration rate and rectal temperature, and improving antioxidant status. The recommended dose of CrP is 4–8 mg/d of Cr per cow in hot weather.

Addition of chromium propionate in dog food: metabolic, immunological, and oxidative effects

ABSTRACT Chromium is a trace element essential in metabolising carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and is involved in other biological functions. Therefore, this study determined whether chromium propionate supplementation in dogs improves haematologic, metabolic, immune/inflammatory, and antioxidant biomarkers. A commercial product (Labex® Chromium) containing 0.4% chromium was used at 500 g/ton of food, which provided an additional calculated amount of 2 mg of chromium per kg of food. We used ten beagles divided into two treatments: the chromium group (supplemented with 0.380 mg of chromium/dog/day; T-CHR) and the control group comprised dogs fed a basal diet (no chromium supplementation). The experiment included two periods of 28 days, with an interval of 15 days, i.e. the dogs in the control group in the first period were in the chromium group in the second period (all dogs underwent all treatments in a crossover design). Dogs supplemented with chromium had higher serum mineral levels on days 14 and 28 (P ≤ 0.001). The group in the chromium group showed significantly higher numbers of total leukocytes and lymphocytes and concentrations of total protein, globulin, thio-proteins, and catalase activity in blood than the control group. Serum urea concentrations and TBARS (lipid peroxidation) were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the chromium group. Tendencies towards lower concentrations of reactive oxygen species were observed on day 28 in the T-CHR group (P = 0.10). Chromium supplementation increased the concentration of cytokines in serum (tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], IFN-γ, and IL-10) and C-reactive protein (P ≤ 0.05). Dogs in the chromium group had higher gamma globulin concentrations than controls (P ≤ 0.001). These findings suggest that supplementation with chromium propionate (2 mg/kg) in food positivity modulates metabolic, antioxidant, and immune indicators in dogs.

The effects of chromium propionate supplementation to yearling steers in a commercial feedyard on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and health.

British crossbred steers (n = 3,072; initial body weight [BW] = 358 ± 37 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of chromium propionate supplementation to yearling steers in a commercial feedyard on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and health. Steers were blocked by initial BW; pens were assigned randomly to one of two dietary treatments within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens per treatment with 75 to 135 heads per pen, included 1) control, 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM) (CTL); 2) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet DM (chromium propionate; KemTRACE Chromium 0.4%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) (chromium propionate, CR). Final BW (638 vs. 641 kg), average daily gain (1.81 vs. 1.82 kg), DM intake (11.02 vs. 11.02 kg), and gain efficiency (0.164 vs. 0.165) did not differ between CTL and CR, respectively (P ≥ 0.75). No differences among treatments for hot carcass weight (407 vs. 408 kg, CTL and CR, respectively), dressing percentage, longissimus muscle area, or yield grade were observed (P ≥ 0.15). Twelfth-rib fat thickness tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CR vs. CTL (1.55 vs. 1.29 cm, respectively). A trend (P = 0.10) for marbling score to be higher for CR vs. CTL was detected (452 vs. 440, respectively). Distribution of quality grade was similar between CR and CTL; 1.52% of carcasses graded prime (P = 0.68), and 87.2% of carcasses graded choice (P = 0.68). Respiratory morbidity was low (1.93%) and not different among treatments (P = 0.20); likewise, there was no difference in respiratory treatment rates between treatments (P ≥ 0.18). Supplementing Cr to high-performing yearling steers did not alter growth performance, carcass characteristics, or health outcomes.

27 Evaluating the Functional Differences at Genome, Transcriptome and Methylome Level between ARS-UCD1.2 and UMD 3.1 Bovine Reference Genomes

Abstract Crossbred beef steers, n = 5,140; 352 ± 5.45 kg initial body weight (BW) were used to evaluate chromium propionate supplementation to yearling steers in a commercial feedyard. Cattle were blocked by arrival date and initial BW and assigned randomly to pen within block; pens were randomly assigned to treatment within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens per treatment with 130 to 250 steers per pen, included: 1) control (CTL), 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM); 2) chromium (CR) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary DM (4.9 mg/d; chromium propionate; KemTRACE Chromium 0.4%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA). Final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and gain efficiency (G:F) did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.26). Dry matter intake was greater for CR than CTL, 8.61 kg. vs. 8.49 kg, respectively (P = 0.03). Hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage, ribeye area, and 12th-rib-fat were not different for CTL or CR (P ≥ 0.12). The percentage of carcasses camera grading choice or better was greater (P = 0.04) for CR (51.2%) than CTL (48%), and the percentage of select carcasses was less (P = 0.01) for CR (41.5%) than CTL (45.5%). Yield grade distribution did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.26). There was no difference (P ≥ 0.36) in overall morbidity (7.75%), or total mortality (1.43%) between treatments. Steers fed CR had higher quality carcasses, and similar G:F and HCW to CTL.

PSIX-12 The Effects of Feeding Chromium Propionate to Yearling Steers in a Commercial Feedyard on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Health

Abstract Crossbred beef steers, n = 5,140; 352 ± 5.45 kg initial body weight (BW) were used to evaluate chromium propionate supplementation to yearling steers in a commercial feedyard. Cattle were blocked by arrival date and initial BW and assigned randomly to pen within block; pens were randomly assigned to treatment within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens per treatment with 130 to 250 steers per pen, included: 1) control (CTL), 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM); 2) chromium (CR) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary DM (4.9 mg/d; chromium propionate; KemTRACE, Chromium 0.4%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA). Final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and gain efficiency (G:F) did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.26). Dry matter intake was greater for CR than CTL, 8.61 kg. vs. 8.49 kg, respectively (P = 0.03). Hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage, ribeye area, and 12th-rib-fat were not different for CTL or CR (P ≥ 0.12). The percentage of carcasses camera grading choice or better was greater (P = 0.04) for CR (51.2%) than CTL (48%), and the percentage of select carcasses was less (P = 0.01) for CR (41.5%) than CTL (45.5%). Yield grade distribution did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.26). There was no difference (P ≥ 0.36) in overall morbidity (7.75%), or total mortality (1.43%) between treatments. Steers fed CR had greater quality carcasses, and similar G:F and HCW to CTL.

297 The Effects of Chromium Propionate Supplementation to Yearling Steers in a Commercial Feedyard on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Health

Abstract British crossbred steers [n = 3074; initial body weight (BW) = 358 ± 37 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of chromium propionate supplementation to yearling steers in a commercial feedyard on growth performance, carcass characteristics and health. Steers were blocked by initial BW; pens were assigned randomly to one of two dietary treatments within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens/treatment with 75 to 135 head per pen, included: 1) control, 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM) (CTL); 2) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg diet DM (chromium propionate; KemTRACE® Chromium 0.04%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) (CR). Final BW (638 vs. 641 kg.), average daily gain, (1.81 vs. 1.82 kg), DM intake (11.02 vs. 11.02 kg) and gain efficiency (0.164 vs 0.165) did not differ between CTL and CR, respectively (P ≥ 0.75). No differences among treatments for hot carcass weight (407 vs. 408 kg., CTL and CR, respectively), dressing percentage, longissimus muscle area, or yield grade were observed (P ≥ 0.15). Twelfth-rib fat thickness tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CR vs. CTL (1.55 vs 1.29 cm, respectively). A trend (P = 0.10) for marbling score to be higher for CR vs. CTL was detected (452 vs. 440, respectively). Distribution of quality grade was similar between CR and CTL; 1.52% of carcasses graded prime (P =0.68), and 87.2% of carcasses graded choice (P = 0.68). Respiratory morbidity was low (1.93%) and not different among treatments (P = 0.20); likewise, there was no difference in respiratory treatment rates between treatments (P ≥ 0.18). Supplementing Cr to high-performing yearling steers did not alter growth performance, carcass characteristics or health outcomes.

298 The Effects of Chromium Propionate Supplementation to Calf-fed Steers in a Commercial Feedyard on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Health

Abstract Crossbred steers [British x Continental x Bos Indicus; n = 1844; initial body weight (BW) = 248 ± 28 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of chromium propionate supplementation to calf-fed steers in a commercial feedyard on growth performance, carcass characteristics and health. Steers were blocked by initial BW; pens were assigned randomly to one of two dietary treatments within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens/treatment with 57 to 62 head per pen, included: 1) control, 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM) (CTL); 2) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary DM (chromium propionate; KemTRACE® Chromium 0.04%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) (CR). Due to inadvertent oversight, during the final 30 days on feed, CR cattle did not receive trace minerals, vitamins, an ionophore, antibiotic, or ractopamine-hydrochloride. Final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and DM intake did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.25). Gain efficiency was greater (P = 0.03) for CTL than CR (0.16 vs. 0.15). Hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.19). Yield grade was higher for CR than CTL (2.44 vs. 2.27; P &amp;lt; 0.01); 12th-ribfat tended to be greater for CR than CTL (P = 0.09), and longissimus area was greater for CTL vs. CR (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Marbling score tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CR than CTL. Steers fed CR tended (P = 0.07) to have a greater distribution of prime carcasses than CTL (1.9% vs. 0.07%), and percentage choice carcasses was higher for CR than CTL (67.34% vs. 61. 71%, P = 0.01). Respiratory morbidity (12.20%), and retreatment rate did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). In the absence of a beta-agonist, CR steers had higher quality carcasses, and similar ADG and HCW to CTL.

Effects of sodium bicarbonate and chromium propionate supplementation on growth performance, blood indices of Beetal bucks under heat stress.

The objective of the current experiment was to determine the effects of sodium bicarbonate (SBC) and chromium propionate (Cr) supplementation on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, blood indices, feed sorting behavior, and digestibility of nutrients during the hot and humid condition in Beetal bucks. Twenty-eight Beetal bucks were randomly assigned to four concentrates treatments (n = 7 bucks/treatment) under 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. The factors were (1) chromium supplementation, basal diet without any supplementation (C) and basal diet with Cr @ 1.5mg Cr/head/day (Cr), and (2) sodium bircbonate supplementation, basal diet supplemented with SBC @15g/kg of DM (SBC) and diet containing SBC @ 15g/kg of DM) and Cr @ 1.5mg/day/animal (SBC + Cr). Chromium was drenched to each animal during the morning feeding. The average daily noon temperature-humidity index (THI) was 86.37 ± 4.01. The daily DMI and ADG was higher (P < .0001) in the SBC, and trend for daily DMI was observed (P < 0.01) for the Cr. The feed to gain ratio was tended to improve (P = 0.056) by the supplementation of Cr. Plasma glucose, cholesterol, and catalase concentration were lower (P < 0.05) in the Cr supplemented, whereas plasma BUN and TPP were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the Cr or the SBC supplementation. The feed selection index indicated that supplementation of Cr and SBC had no effects on selection or rejection of feed particles. In Cr-supplemented bucks, there was a trend for higher ADF digestibility. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF, and ADF were not affected by Cr or SBC supplementation. In conclusion, co supplementation of Cr @ 1.5mg/d and SBC @ 15g/kg resulted in highest DMI, ADG and improved the feed efficiency in heat-stressed fattening bucks by alleviating negative impacts of HS.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and/or chromium propionate supplementation on clinical health, growth performance, and carcass traits of high-risk cattle during the feedlot receiving and finishing periods1

The study objective was to determine the effects of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and/or chromium propionate supplementation on health, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of high-risk beef cattle during a 56-d feedlot receiving period and the subsequent finishing period. Four truckload blocks of crossbred beef bulls (n = 300) and steers [n = 84; body weight (BW) = 220 ± 16.2 kg] were sourced from regional auction markets and assigned randomly to treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial. The generalized complete block design consisted of 12 pen replications per treatment with pen as the experimental unit. Treatments were: 1) placebo control (CON); 2) 13 g per animal daily of B. subtilis PB6 (CST); 3) 450 ppb dry matter (DM) chromium propionate (CHR); and 4) 13 g per animal daily of B. subtilis PB6 and 450 ppb DM chromium propionate (CST + CHR). Treatments were top dressed in feed bunks daily using 0.45 kg per animal ground corn carrier immediately following feed delivery. Data were analyzed using mixed models. During the receiving period, dry matter intake (DMI) increased (P ≤ 0.03) for CST during each interim period. Overall receiving period daily DMI was 0.35 kg per animal greater for CST (P = 0.01). Cattle fed CST had greater (P ≤ 0.06) BW on days 14, 28, and 56. Likewise, average daily gain (ADG) was improved for CST from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.04) and for the overall receiving period (days 0–56; P = 0.04). From days 0 to 14, CST tended (P = 0.08) to increase gain:feed. During the finishing period, CHR reduced (P = 0.02) final BW and ADG (day 56 to final; P = 0.01) and ADG was less for CHR over the entire feeding period (day 0 to final; P = 0.03). The main effect of both CST (P = 0.02) and CHR (P = 0.03) decreased the overall treatment rate for bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and CST reduced overall antimicrobial treatment cost by $3.50 per animal compared to CON (P = 0.03). Hot carcass weight (HCW) decreased (P = 0.01) in cattle fed CHR. The percentage of edible livers tended to increase (CST × CHR; P = 0.08) in the CST treatment. Feed intake and growth performance outcomes during the receiving period were improved by CST but not CHR supplementation. However, both CST and CHR supplementation decreased the BRD morbidity rate. During the finishing period, performance and HCW were reduced in cattle supplemented with CHR.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and/or chromium propionate supplementation on serum chemistry, complete blood count, and fecal Salmonella spp. count in high-risk cattle during the feedlot receiving and finishing periods.

The study objective was to determine the effects of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and/or chromium propionate supplementation on serum chemistry, complete blood count, and fecal Salmonella spp. count in high-risk beef cattle during a 56-d feedlot receiving period and the subsequent finishing period. Four truckload blocks of crossbred beef bulls (n = 300) and steers [n = 84; total n = 384; average initial body weight (BW) = 220 ± 16.2 kg] were sourced from regional auction markets and assigned randomly to treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial. Blood samples were collected from two bulls nearest to the median BW on arrival in each pen (n = 96) and fecal samples were collected from cattle in block 3 (n = 96). The generalized complete block design consisted of 12 pen replications per treatment with pen as the experimental unit. Treatments were: 1) negative control (CON); 2) 13 g per animal daily of prepared B. subtilis PB6 product (CST); 3) 450 ppb dry matter (DM) chromium propionate (CHR); and 4) 13 g per animal daily of prepared B. subtilis PB6 product and 450 ppb DM chromium propionate (CST + CHR). Treatments were top dressed in feed bunks daily using 0.45 kg per animal ground corn carrier immediately following feed delivery. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. Day affected all serum chemistry variables (P ≤ 0.03) except total CO2 (P = 0.34) and all complete blood count variables during receiving (P ≤ 0.02) except percentage basophils (P ≥ 0.12). During the overall receiving period, serum calcium was decreased (P = 0.02) by CHR. Cattle fed CHR had greater total leukocyte count (P = 0.04) and neutrophil count (P = 0.02) during the overall receiving period. Fecal Salmonella spp. count was markedly reduced in cattle fed CST on day 28 (P = 0.01) and overall (P = 0.07). Overall, these data provide metabolic and hematologic insight into the unique challenges presented by lightweight, high-risk feeder cattle. Notably, CST was found to be effective in mitigating fecal enumeration and presumably replication of Salmonella spp. in the gastrointestinal tract.

Chromium propionate supplementation alters animal growth performance, carcass characteristics, and skeletal muscle properties in feedlot steers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing concentrations of Cr propionate (CrP) on feedlot performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics, and skeletal muscle fiber properties in feedlot steers. Crossbred steers (n = 32; 367 ± 2.5 kg; 16 pens; 2 hd/pen) were blocked by body weight (BW), and treatment was randomly assigned to pen: (1) 0 mg added Cr/kg diet dry matter (DM) (control), (2) 0.15 mg added Cr/kg diet DM (CrP; KemTRACE Chromium 0.04%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA), (3) 0.30 mg added Cr/kg diet DM, and (4) 0.45 mg added Cr/kg diet DM. Steers were fed ad libitum, and the treatment was top-dressed at the time of feeding. Body weights, blood samples, and longissimus biopsies were collected before feeding on days 0, 28, 56, 91, 119, and 147. Blood sera were harvested for analysis of glucose, insulin, sera urea nitrogen, and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations. Longissimus biopsies were collected for gene expression, protein expression, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Pen was the experimental unit for live and carcass data, and steer was the experimental unit with day as a repeated measure for sera and IHC analyses. For the entire duration of the trial, a linear increase in average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.01) and improvement in G:F was observed (P = 0.01) with no change in DMI (P = 0.11) with increasing CrP. A linear increase in hot carcass weight (HCW) (P ≤ 0.01) with no other changes in carcass composition were noted (P ≥ 0.38) as the level of dietary CrP increased. There was no effect of treatment on any sera parameters measured (P ≥ 0.10). No difference was detected for gene or protein expression of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) due to CrP supplementation (P ≥ 0.10). For skeletal muscle fiber distribution and cross-sectional area, there was no effect of treatment (P ≥ 0.10). Density of total GLUT4 did not change due to CrP (P ≥ 0.10). Internalization of GLUT4 was increased in the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/kg treatments (P < 0.01). For total nuclei density and myonuclei density, there were treatment × day interaction tendencies (P ≤ 0.08). Supplementation of CrP did not alter density of satellite cells (P ≥ 0.10). The number of transporters located in the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle fibers did decrease, implying fewer proteins were needed to transport extracellular glucose into the muscle fiber. Therefore, CrP may augment cellular function and growth via increased efficiency of GLUT4 function. These results indicated CrP increases BW, ADG, and HCW, without changes in circulating sera parameters or total GLUT4 expression.

PSIV-15 Effects of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and/or chromium propionate supplementation on health, performance, and blood parameters of high-risk cattle during the feedlot receiving period

Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and/or chromium propionate supplementation on health, performance, and blood parameters in high-risk beef calves during a 56-day receiving period. Four truckload blocks of crossbred beef calves (n = 384; BW=220±16.2 kg) were assigned randomly to treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial. The generalized complete block design consisted of 12 pen replications per treatment with pen as the experimental unit. Treatments were: 1) placebo control (CON); 2) 13 g/animal/d Bacillus subtilis PB6 (CLOSTAT®, Kemin Industries; CST); 3) 1 g/animal/d Cr propionate (KemTRACE® Chromium, Kemin Industries; CHR); and 4) CST+CHR. Treatments were top dressed in feed bunks daily using 0.45 kg/animal/d ground corn carrier. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 28, and 56 for analysis of serum chemistry and complete blood count variables from a pen subset (n = 2/pen). Data were analyzed using MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. The DMI was increased for CST during each interim period (P ≤ 0.03) and overall DMI was increased by 0.78 lb/animal/d for CST (P = 0.01). The CST supplemented cattle had greater BW on days 14, 28, and 56 (P ≤ 0.06). Likewise, ADG was improved for CST from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.04) and for the overall receiving period (P = 0.04). Main effects of CST (P = 0.02) and CHR (P = 0.03) decreased the percentage of calves treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Morbidity was 28.0 and 39.9% for cattle with and without CST supplementation and 28.6 and 39.3% for cattle with and without CHR supplementation, respectively. Cattle fed CHR had increased (P ≤ 0.04) total leukocytes, neutrophils, serum aspartate aminotransferase and less (P = 0.02) serum calcium. Performance was improved by CST and BRD morbidity was less for CST and CHR.

Effect of Varying Levels of Chromium Propionate on Growth Performance and Blood Biochemistry of Broilers.

Simple SummaryThe current study evaluated the effects of dietary chromium propionate supplementation on growth performance and blood biochemistry of broilers. Results showed that chromium propionate has improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers. Also, meat to fat ratio improved and lean meat may be produced. Based on the study results, the recommended level of chromium propionate supplementation to broiler diet for better performance and weight gain is 400 ppb.The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of varying levels of chromium propionate on blood biochemistry and growth performance of broilers (1–35 days). Five diets were formulated by using chromium propionate with inclusion levels of 0, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ppb. A total of 300 broilers were divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds in each under completely randomized design. The starter feed intake remained unaffected (p > 0.05) whereas finisher and overall feed intake was different (p < 0.05) among different experimental groups. Feed conversion ratio and weight gain in starter, finisher and overall improved significantly (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of chromium propionate. Blood glucose was decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary chromium level. Chromium supplementation did not affect antibodies titers against NDV and AIV-H9. Neither live, hilal, after skin removal, eviscerated, chest weight and legs with shanks weight nor liver and heart weights were affected (p > 0.05) while gizzard weight reduced significantly (p < 0.05) due to supplementation of chromium. On the basis of results, it may be concluded that chromium propionate supplementation improved weight gain and FCR and reduced blood glucose. However, better performance and weight gain may be achieved if chromium propionate is added at the rate of 400 ppb in broiler diets.

Amelioration of adverse effects of heat stress using custom design shelter system and supplementing chromium propionate to growing Karan Fries calves during summer

Climate change has become a threat to the sustainability of livestock systems throughout the world. Present study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorative effect of custom design shelter system and chromium propionate supplementation in crossbred calves, for which 15 growing Karan Fries crossbred calves were further divided equally into three groups based on their body weight and age. Groups 1, 2 and 3 animals were kept in an open shed (control), under custom designed shed and under custom designed shed supplemented with chromium propionate @ 0.5 mg/kg DMI through chromium propionate, respectively. These animals were fed on the fodder and concentrate (60:40) ad lib. All calves were kept under similar feeding and management schedule for 8 days under preliminary period to adapt on the diet followed by 90 days experimental period. Blood samples were collected on day 0, 45 and 90 for the analysis of biochemical parameters (cortisol, catalase, IgA and IgM) and expression of growthrelated gene (NFIL3). Results showed that the custom designed shed reduced the Tmax (32.94°C) by 3.24°C compared to the open shed (36.18°C) and improved the dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and decreased water intake of growing calves of group 3 and 2 over group 1. Results further indicated lower stress(cortisol, catalase) levels and better immunity (IgA and IgM) in group 3 compared to group 2 and 1. The generelated to growth (NFIL3) showed higher expression in group 3 compared to the group 2 and 1. The improvementin body weight gain with better immunity and lower stress level in group 3 and 2 indicated beneficial effect ofcustom designed shelter system and chromium propionate supplementation to Karan Fries growing calves. Therefore, micro environment modification by shed along with chromium supplementation can be suggested as an important management practices during heat stress for crossbreed calves.