Effects of dietary chromium-yeast in weaning-stressed piglets

Abstract

. Effects of dietary chromium-yeast in weaning-stressed piglets. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 79: 369-374. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cr supplementation (as Cr-yeast) on growth performance, some blood parameters and neutrophils superoxide anion production, in weaning-stressed piglets. Thirteen crossbred (Landrace × Large White) litters were assigned to Cr-supplemented prestarter diet for 21 d (from 10 d after birth to 7 d post-weaning). Thirteen other litters, forming the control group, were not given supplemental Cr. Blood samples were taken on day 3 post-weaning and 1 h after litters were moved to the post-weaning facilities (day 7 post-weaning). To enhance stress response, ACTH (5 µg kg -1 BW) was given to some animals immediately before moving. Cromium supplementation did not improve piglet weight or superoxide production by neutrophils. The plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher (P < 0.05) and glucose concentration was lower (P < 0.05) at 7 d post-weaning compared with 3 d in both treated and control piglets. In ACTH-challenged piglets, a further lowering of blood glucose was associated with Cr supplementation (P < 0.05), but cortisol and insulin levels were not affected by dietary treatment. These data suggest that Cr supplementation does not reduce weaning stress in piglets. However, in high-stress conditions (as simulated by ACTH challenge) Cr supplementation may improve peripheral glucose utilisation.

Effects of Chromium(III) Picolinate on Cortisol and DHEAs Secretion in H295R Human Adrenocortical Cells

“…In other studies, however, supplemental dietary Cr had no effect on circulating cortisol concentration in immune stressed pigs fed 0.2 mg/kg Cr from CrCl 3 , CrPic, or Cr-nicotinate [12], weaning stressed piglets fed 0.3 mg/kg Cr from Cr yeast [13], thermal stressed pig fed 1 or 2 mg/kg Cr from CrPic [15], and steers fed 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg Cr from Cr yeast [14]. The discrepancy of cortisol responses by dietary Cr in animal studies may be attributed to the dosage and source of Cr, duration of dietary Cr treatment, source and intensity of stress, animal species, and environmental variation.…”

“…Dietary Cr decreased circulating adrenal steroids in young stressed calves [7,8], in epinephrine challenged lambs [9], in stressed dairy cows [10], and in postmenopausal women [11]. In other studies, however, dietary Cr had no major effects on adrenal steroids [12][13][14][15].…”

Effects of chromium yeast supplementation on growth performances and meat quality in rabbits.

“…Only under "high stress conditions" (intravenous injection of ACTH), which can not be easily observed in the farm, the supplementation of Cr to piglets seemed to cause a better peripheral glucose utilisation (BALDI et al, 1999).…”

Heterologous Expression of Biologically Active Porcine Lactoferrin in Pichia Pastoris Yeast

“…In pig management, the weaning phase represents a critical period for piglets, whose gastrointestinal tract is seriously influenced by diet changes and physiological and psychological stressors (Baldi et al, 1999). Biologically active substances contained in colostrum and milk, such as lactoferrin, may prove useful in the prevention of gastroenteric diseases (Schanbacher et al, 1997).…”

“…The administration of porcine LF in pig management could be a useful strategy to improve the growth of healthy piglets; during weaning they are subjected to several stressors that compromise their immunological status and can lead to gastroenteric diseases (Baldi et al, 1999).…”