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Physiological calf responses to increased chromium supply in summer
M Yari1, A Nikkhah, M Alikhani
1Department of Animal Sciences, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156 Iran.
Journal of Dairy Science
|August 21, 2010
Summary
Supplemental chromium (Cr) improved postweaning insulin efficiency and reduced respiration rates in calves under heat stress. It also altered preweaning cortisol and glucose levels, with minimal impact on overall calf growth.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Physiology
- Environmental Stress Biology
Background:
- High ambient temperatures pose physiological challenges for young livestock.
- Chromium supplementation is explored for mitigating heat stress effects in calves.
- Understanding chromium's role in calf metabolism under heat is crucial for optimizing animal health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physiological effects of increased dietary chromium (Cr) supply on pre- and postweaning Holstein calves experiencing high ambient temperatures.
- To determine the impact of varying Cr doses on growth, metabolism, and stress indicators in calves.
Main Methods:
- A randomized complete block design study involving 24 neonate Holstein calves.
- Three Cr supplementation levels (0, 0.02, and 0.04 mg/kg BW0.75) were administered via milk and starter concentrate.
- Physiological parameters including growth, feed intake, respiration rate, blood metabolites, and glucose tolerance were assessed.
Main Results:
- Chromium supplementation did not affect preweaning growth but decreased postweaning dry matter intake.
- Chromium lowered respiration rate and altered preweaning serum cortisol and glucose levels.
- Postweaning, chromium improved insulin efficiency, reduced thyroxin, and decreased beta-hydroxybutyrate in male calves.
Conclusions:
- Increased dietary chromium supply benefits postweaning insulin metabolism and reduces respiration rate in calves under summer heat stress.
- Chromium supplementation can modulate preweaning blood cortisol and glucose, with sex-dependent effects observed.
- While chromium shows metabolic benefits, its impact on overall calf growth under heat stress appears minimal.
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