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Performance and ruminal protozoa in lambs with chromium supplementation
B S L Dallago1, C M McManus, D F Caldeira
1Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal 70910-900, Brazil. brunodallago@yahoo.com.br
Research in Veterinary Science
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation in sheep did not affect performance but reduced ruminal protozoa. Higher CrPic levels above 0.375mg/day showed no additional benefit for protozoa reduction.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chromium picolinate (CrPic) is explored for its potential to modulate ruminal fermentation and animal performance.
- Understanding the impact of CrPic on ruminal protozoa is crucial for optimizing ruminant health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying dietary levels of chromium picolinate (CrPic) on the performance and ruminal protozoa population in sheep.
- To determine the optimal supplementation level of CrPic for influencing ruminal protozoa without compromising animal performance.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four male lambs were fed a basal diet of Panicum maximum hay and concentrate, supplemented with four CrPic levels (placebo, 0.250, 0.375, 0.500 mg Cr/animal/day) for 84 days.
- Feed intake and body weight were monitored throughout the trial.
- Ruminal fluid was sampled five times to quantify protozoa populations.
Main Results:
- No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in initial/final body weight, dry matter intake, or daily/total weight gain among treatment groups.
- A significant negative linear relationship was found between chromium supplementation and ruminal protozoa count (p=0.0013).
- Supplementation levels exceeding 0.375 mg CrPic/day did not result in a further decrease in protozoa count.
Conclusions:
- Dietary chromium picolinate supplementation at the tested levels did not enhance growth performance in sheep.
- CrPic effectively reduced ruminal protozoa populations, with diminishing returns beyond 0.375 mg/day.
- Careful consideration and further research are needed regarding CrPic dosage, especially in stressed animals, and potential toxic effects on ruminal protozoa and the host animal.
