Chromium propionate improves performance and carcass traits in broilers

Abstract

There is evidence to suggest that poultry may have a dietary requirement for metabolically available chromium (Cr) that exceeds the amount provided through wheat soybean meal diets. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplemental organic Cr from Cr propionate at different dose levels (control = 0 μg/kg, T1 = 200 μg/kg, T2 = 400 μg/kg) on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of broilers. Weight gain and feed intake of each treatment were recorded at the start and after 14, 28 and 35 d, and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were calculated accordingly. At 35 d of age, birds were randomly selected and euthanized for carcass evaluation. Results of the first trial indicate that both Cr propionate treatments increased final body weight ( P < 0.05), feed efficiency ( P < 0.05) and body weight gain ( P < 0.0001). Furthermore, Cr propionate supplementation improved ( P < 0.0001) all carcass characteristics. Interestingly, with increased Cr dosage, carcass yield, dressing percentage and breast meat yield increased linearly ( P < 0.0001). The second study reveals that the feed intake in the control group was significantly higher compared to both Cr propionate supplemented groups (T1 & T2). Furthermore, the Cr propionate supplemented T2 group displayed a significantly lower FCR than the control and T1 group ( P = 0.027). Finally, Cr propionate supplementation increased the dressing percentage compared to control birds ( P < 0.0001). In the third experiment, Cr propionate supplementation (T1 & T2) increased final body weight and decreased FCR compared with the control treatment. These effects were highly significant ( P < 0.0001) throughout all feeding phases of the trial. Cr propionate supplementation also increased ( P < 0.0001) carcass yield, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, leg and thigh weights compared with the control treatment. In conclusion, growth performance, feed conversion, carcass yield, breast and leg meats of broiler birds can be significantly improved by dietary inclusion of Cr propionate. Cr propionate can be supplemented to broiler birds from 1 d old of age at a level that provides 200 or 400 μg/kg organic Cr and can increase the efficiency of broiler production.

Dietary Supplemental Chromium Yeast Improved the Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity and Liver Health in Broilers under High Stocking Density

“…It is well known that organic chromium has lower toxicity and higher bioavailability than inorganic chromium [ 15 , 16 ]. Under conventional conditions, adding organic chromium can promote the growth, fast metabolism and antioxidant capacity of broilers [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Under the condition of heat stress, chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) supplementation can reduce the level of corticosterone and increase the level of serotonin in broilers, indicating that Cr(III) may have the effect of relieving stress in broilers [ 20 ].…”

Dietary Enteromorpha Polysaccharides Supplementation Improves Breast Muscle Yield and Is Associated With Modification of mRNA Transcriptome in Broiler Chickens

“…Carcass traits are indicators of differences in the amount of nutrients deposited in tissues (14). Slaughter and whole net carcass yield can measure the performance of meat yield (15,16).…”

Dietary Taurine Supplementation Improves the Meat Quality, Muscle Fiber Type, and Mitochondrial Function of Finishing Pigs

“…The thickness of backfat was determined opposite to the first and last rib and last lumbar vertebra. The dressing percentage was calculated as follows: dressing percentage = (carcass weight/final body weight) × 100% . The lean rate was calculated as described previously .…”

“…The lean rate was calculated as described previously . The abdominal fat index was calculated as follows: abdominal fat index = (abdominal fat weight/final body weight) × 100% …”