Chromium Supplements in the Feed for Lactating Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): Influence on Nutrient Utilization, Lactation Performance, and Metabolic Responses

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic chromium (Cr) on nutrient intake, nutrient utilization, milk mineral contents, and blood biochemical in lactating Murrah buffaloes. Twenty-four multifarious Murrah buffaloes were blocked into four groups having six animals in each group and fed for 150 days post-partum. Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that treatment groups were supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg inorganic Cr/kg dry matter (DM) in the four respective groups. Group fed on basal diet supplemented with 0.0 mg Cr/kg DM served as a control. Adding inorganic Cr to the diet of lactating buffaloes increased feed intake, milk yield, and nutrient digestibility. Nitrogen (N) and Cr balance were significantly increased (P<0.05) by adding Cr. Milk and plasma Cr concentration could be increased by adding Cr (P<0.001), while no significant differences were found between the four treatments in milk and plasma concentration of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Feeding of diet supplemented with inorganic Cr decreased plasma insulin concentration (P=0.016). Concentration of blood glucose and the ratio of blood glucose to insulin were increased by adding Cr (P=0.037 and P=0.011, respectively). Adding Cr to the diet of lactating buffaloes did not show any effect on blood hemoglobin (Hb), while plasma concentration of progesterone and antioxidant status was increased (P<0.05). It could be concluded that adding Cr to the diet of lactating buffaloes improved nutrient intake, nutrient utilization, and lactation performance.

Effects of Betaine-Biotin-Chromium Supplementation and Concentrate to Roughage Ratio on Nutrient Utilization Efficiency in Thai Native Cattle

“…Moreover, Shah et al [ 26 ] found that supplementation with betaine (15 g/day) increased the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF in dairy cows. Similarly, Deka et al [ 27 ] reported that the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and ADF increased after supplementation with 1.5 mg Cr/kg DM in buffaloes. Productivity improvements associated with chromium supplementation have generally been observed during stress [ 28 ].…”

“…Bunting et al [ 28 ] reported that supplemental chromium picolinate did not have any significant influence on the nitrogen balance. However, the nitrogen intake and balance in buffalos is higher at 1.5 mg Cr/kg DM [ 27 ]. Our results share a number of common features with those of Kumar et al [ 29 ] who found that dietary chromium supplementation had no effect on nitrogen balance in buffalo calves.…”

Analysis of 22 Elements in Milk, Feed, and Water of Dairy Cow, Goat, and Buffalo from Different Regions of China

“…Concentrations expressed in microgram per liter ND not detected, NC not computable, n number of samples [36]. Deka [37] reported that Cr concentrations in milk is increased by adding Cr to the feed; however, As in drinking water showed a low biological transference to cow milk [34]. Compared to water, fewer elements in feed were significantly correlated with those in milk ( Table 7).…”

Effect of dietary Chromium, vitamin E and Selenium supplementation on biochemical and physiological parameters of Holstein Friesian cows under heat stress

“…Kargar et al (2018) and Pantelic et al (2018) suggested that chromium requirement rise during thermal heat load due to increased chromium urinary excretion, which in turn result in diminished feed intake. Results recorded by Jin et al (2012) and Deka et al (2015) showed improvement in DMI with chromium supplementation revealing the beneficial impact of chromium on DMI in early lactating cows under heat stress.…”