2 June 2025

Dairy cattle, as high-producing animals either in intensive or extensive systems, inevitably encounter several key stress periods throughout their production cycle, each presenting unique physiological, nutritional and management challenges.  

1. The Transition Period: This period is arguably the most stressful. It typically spans from about three weeks before to three weeks after calving.^1,2 and involve significant hormonal and metabolic modifications to prepare for lactation. This can lead to reduced feed intake and metabolic disorders like excessive negative energy balance (NEB), free radical damage, ketosis and displaced abomasum. Approximately 75% of dairy cow diseases in the first month after calving.² 
2. The Neonatal Period: This is a period of high stress for the calf, as they are adapting to life outside of the mother.They are very susceptible to illness during this time. Good nutrition, biosecurity, handling and colostrum management are crucial at this stage.^{1, 3,4}     
3. Heat Stress: High temperatures and humidity can significantly stress dairy cows, especially high-producing cows.^5-8 Heat stress can lead to reduced feed intake, decreased milk production, impaired reproduction and health and effects on the postnatal growth and productivity of offspring
4. Handling and Social Stress: Changes in herd dynamics, transportation, and improper handling can cause stress. Overcrowding and poor housing conditions also contribute to stress. 

Understanding these stress periods is crucial for implementing management strategies that promote cow health and well-being, and optimise milk production.

Why Multimin Chrome? 

Multimin Chrome Injection for Cattle⁹ is a unique trace mineral injection containing copper (Cu), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and chromium (Cr) ideal for dairy cattle when the pressure to perform is at its highest. 

Multimin Chrome increases productivity in dairy calves and cows by improving immunity and fertility through three modes of action: 

1. Improved Nutrient Utilisation 

Chromium is an essential trace mineral for dairy cattle.^10,11 Chromium enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing glucose to be better utilised by cells, improving lipid (fat) metabolism, promoting protein synthesis and supporting immune function. Chromium plays a significant role in mitigating the effects of heat stress in dairy cattle. These effects contribute to improving the overall health and productivity of cattle.^10,19,21

2. Reduced cortisol levels 

Chromium has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone in animals.^{12, 14, 16,17} . By lowering cortisol, chromium can help maintain a stronger immune system.

Did you know that the immune system can drain approximately 1 kg of glucose per day -  energy that otherwise contributes to milk production?²⁰ This highlights the importance of preventing unnecessary stress to maintain performance. 

3. Support of the antioxidant system

Multimin Chrome provides a rapid ‘top-up’ of the four trace minerals Cu, Zn, Mn and Se, used to synthesise antioxidant enzymes.²¹ In addition, Chromium has antioxidant functions, protecting cells from free radical damage.^13,19 These trace minerals also provide a direct source of trace minerals used by several metabolic processes and the reproductive and immune systems.^11,21

The 5 essential trace minerals in Multimin Chrome are necessary for cattle operations seeking improved performance by mitigating stress and improving nutrient utilisation, helping dairy cows and calves reach peak performance when it matters most.

Backed by science 

Calf health 

Studies in Australia and New Zealand^22,23 have shown that calves treated with Multimin Chrome had improved antioxidant status, lower incidence of diseases and health issues such as diarrhoea and omphalitis, and reduced mortality rates.

Recent university studies in Australia²⁴ have shown that pre-calving treatment with Multimin Chrome in cows and heifers decreased NEB, increased Se concentrations and improved their antioxidant status. Reduction in NEB and improvement in the antioxidant status during the transition period is crucial for maintaining dairy cow health, welfare, and productivity. 

For more information on Multimin Chrome or to learn more about improving your dairy herd performance with Multimin Chrome, contact your local Virbac Area Sales Manager or Virbac Customer Support 1800 242 100.

Key Points 

• Dairy cows and calves experience several stress periods throughout their production cycle.
• Multimin Chrome Injection for Cattle is a unique trace mineral injection ideal for dairy cattle when the pressure to perform is at its highest.
• Australian and international studies have shown that Multimin Chrome can reduce disease incidences and mortality rates in calves and improve metabolic health in dairy cows leading to improved health, production and fertility outcomes. 

2x Nutrien Rewards Points Offer on Multimin Chrome

For a limited time, Virbac are offering double points for Nutrien Rewards members for every purchase of Multimin Chrome from any Nutrien Ag Solutions store that is part of the Nutrien Rewards Program between 1 June and 30 June 2025. Points will be applied to the Member’s Nutrien Rewards account the following month. Please see the Nutrien Rewards Terms and Conditions for more details.

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.

References 

1. Abuelo, A., et al. (2019). Redox Biology in Transition Periods of Dairy Cattle: Role in the Health of Periparturient and Neonatal Animals. Antioxidants, 8(1), 20.
2. Trevisi, E., et al.. (2025). International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology: The immunometabolism of transition dairy cows from dry-off to early lactation: lights and shadows. Journal of Dairy Science.
3. LeBlanc, S. J., e al. (2006). Major advances in disease prevention in dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 89(4), 1267-1279.
4. Osorio, J. S. (2020). Gut health, stress, and immunity in neonatal dairy calves: the host side of host-pathogen interactions. Journal of animal science and biotechnology, 11(1), 105.
5. Hulbert, L. E., & Moisá, S. J. (2016). Stress, immunity, and the management of calves. Journal of dairy science, 99(4), 3199-3216.
6. West, J. W. (2003). Effects of heat-stress on production in dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 86(6), 2131-2144.
7. Tao, S., & Dahl, G. E. (2013). Invited review: Heat stress effects during late gestation on dry cows and their calves. Journal of dairy science, 96(7), 4079-4093.
8. Wolfenson, D., & Roth, Z. (2019). Impact of heat stress on cow reproduction and fertility. Animal Frontiers, 9(1), 32-38.
9. Refer to registered label APVMA n 90447
10. NASEM (2021). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 
11. Suttle N.F. (2022) Mineral Nutrition of Livestock. Fifth Edition, CABI, Cambridge.
12. Mowat D. N. (1997). Supplemental organic chromium for beef and dairy cattle. Proceeding in Ruminant Nutrition. Guelph: University of Guelph, 1-21. 
13. 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 
14. Amata I. (2013). Chromium in Livestock Nutrition: A Review. Global Advanced Research J. Ag. Sci., Vol. 2(12) 289-306. 
15. Spears J. W. (2010). Chromium supplementation in cattle diets. Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium; Gainesville, FL, USA, 143-55. 
16. Perchova A. & Pavlata L. (2007). Chromium As An Essential Nutrient: a Review. Vet Med, 52, 1:1-18. 
17. Burton J. L. (1995). Supplemental chromium: its benefits to the bovine immune system. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 53(2), 117-133. 
18. Qiao K., et al. (2024). The Complex Interplay of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Inflammation in Transition Dairy Cows. Animals, 14(6), 832. 
19. 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.