04 Dec 2024

Beef and dairy cattle, either at pasture or intensive systems, are exposed to stressful events during their productive lives. Pregnancy, lactation, weaning, handling, transportation, commingling, heat or cold stress, and feedlot induction could lead to psychological, psychological and physical stress, leading to high demands for nutrients, particularly trace minerals, and reduced feed intake, resulting in impaired immunity, fertility and productivity ¹.

Trace minerals play a vital role in cattle health and performance by supporting immune function, antioxidant activity, fertility, nutrient utilisation and mitigating stress responses. One essential trace mineral that has recently been a focus of nutritionists and researchers is chromium (Cr).

Chromium is a naturally occurring trace mineral found in the feed and included to feed supplements formulated for cattle and sheep. However, chromium concentrations in common feedstuffs vary greatly ².

The benefits of chromium for livestock have gained attention since the late 20th century when research began highlighting its role in improving glucose metabolism and reducing stress responses. Among chromium's many benefits is its capacity to improve feed efficiency, boost immunity and reduce disease susceptibility and help livestock handle stressful events, such as weaning and heat stress ^3-10.

“Weaning is one of the most stressful periods in the life of a young cattle. Chromium supplementation helps livestock maintain their health and performance by mitigating stress responses and improving nutrient utilisation”, says Dr. Paula Gonzalez-Rivas, Technical Services Manager for Livestock at Virbac Australia. "Under heat stress, cattle increase their maintenance energy needs for thermoregulation (panting and sweating) coupled with stress responses, oxidative stress and immunosuppression, contributing to poor growth, poor performance and fertility, and higher susceptibility to diseases¹¹. Chromium supplementation can offer that extra edge, helping to ensure resilient, healthy, productive, and profitable herds, even when stress and metabolic demands are at the highest”.

Some of the benefits of chromium supplementation in cattle include:

1. Enhanced Energy Utilisation
   Stress saps energy from livestock, impacting their ability to thrive. Chromium improves insulin sensitivity, allowing for better glucose utilisation and feed efficiency. Further, it supports metabolic functions and ensures animals have the energy they need during periods of stress.
2. Mitigate Stress Responses and Boosted Immune Function
   Chromium can reduce the levels of cortisol ^3,5,7 - the main stress hormone. Furthermore, chromium supports immune function by ensuring activated immune cells have the glucose they need, helping animals stay healthier and recover faster during stressful periods.
3. Protection from Oxidative Stress
   Chromium has antioxidant functions, protecting cells from free radical damage ^4,9 leading to better health and performance, particularly under stress.

Should you consider chromium supplementation in your herd?

Incorporating chromium into cattle nutrition plans can significantly enhance stress resilience and improve metabolic efficiency, leading to healthier, more productive animals. By supplementing chromium, producers can ensure better performance outcomes and contribute to the long-term success of their herds.

References 

1. Carroll, J. A., & Forsberg, N. E. (2007). Influence of stress and nutrition on cattle immunity. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, 23(1), 105-149.
2. Spears J. W. et al. (2017). Chromium concentrations in ruminant feed ingredients. J.Dairy Sci., 100(5), 3584-3590.
3. Mowat D. N. (1997). Supplemental organic chromium for beef and dairy cattle. Proceeding in Ruminant Nutrition. Guelph: University of Guelph, 1-21
4. Lashkari S. et al. (2018) A Review on the Role of Chromium Supplementation in Ruminant Nutrition—Effects on Productive Performance, Blood Metabolites, Antioxidant Status, and Immunocompetence. Biol Trace Elem Res 186, 305–321.
5. Amata I. (2013). Chromium in Livestock Nutrition: A Review. Global Advanced Research J. Ag. Sci., Vol. 2(12) 289-306.
6. Spears J. W. (2010). Chromium supplementation in cattle diets. Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium; Gainesville, FL, USA, 143-55.
7. Perchova A. & Pavlata L. (2007). Chromium As An Essential Nutrient: a Review. Vet Med, 52, 1:1-18.
8. Burton J. L. (1995). Supplemental chromium: its benefits to the bovine immune system. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 53(2), 117-133.
9. Bin-Jumah, M. et al. (2020). Potential use of chromium to combat thermal stress in animals: A review. Science of the Total Environment, 707, 135996.
10. Spears J. W. et al. (2012). Chromium propionate enhances insulin sensitivity in growing cattle. J. Dairy Sci., 95(4), 2037- 2045.
11. Gonzalez-Rivas, P. A., et al (2020). Effects of heat stress on animal physiology, metabolism, and meat quality: A review. Meat Science, 162, 108025.