Search Results (8)

Energy availability is a critical point in newly received calves. This study was conducted to examine the effect of daily calcium propionate (CaPr), chromium-methionine (Cr-Met), or CaPr plus Cr-Met (CaPr + Cr-Met) supplementation on growth performance, dietary energetics, body fat reserves, serum metabolites, and hematological responses in high-risk beef calves. Forty-eight crossbred bull calves (148.7 ± 2.05 kg body weight) were involved in a fully randomized experimental design. Calves which were individually pen allocated (12 repetitions/treatment) were subjected to one of the following treatments daily over 56 d: (1) Control, no additives; (2) CaPr, 19 g CaPr; (3) Cr-Met, 4 g Cr-Met; and (4) CaPr + Cr-Met, 19 g CaPr plus 4 g Cr-Met. Compared to controls, feed additive supplementation alone or in combination did not modify dry matter intake (DMI), but increased average daily gain (ADG), improving the ADG/DMI ratio. However, no synergistic effect on dietary energy utilization efficiency was observed with the combination of CaPr and Cr-Met; individual supplementation proved more effective. Because of the magnitude of the effects of Cr-Met on the efficiency of dietary energy utilization, this resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in rump fat thickness (RFT). The supplementation of CaPr + Cr-Met decreased ALB/GLO ratio, MPV, and RBC, but increased TCHO, GLU, and MCH (p > 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation with CaPr or Cr-Met independently is an effective strategy to improve growth performance, energy utilization and retention, and body fat reserves, without adverse effects on health among high-risk beef calves. Full article

The synthesized compound, 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-4-(pent-1-yn-1-yl)piperidin-4-yl propionate (EPPP), and its 1:1 complex with β-cyclodextrin (EPPPβCD) have been characterized for the first time through a comprehensive suite of analytical methods. This study explores the therapeutic potential of EPPPβCD in modulating immune responses and accelerating the resolution of septic inflammation induced by chromium and vanadium ions in outbred male rats. The research highlights the significant impact of EPPPβCD on the dynamics of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), notably causing a reduction in the CD4⁺CD25⁺ fractions at the onset of inflammation. This effect is attributed to the inhibition of Treg proliferation, which is crucial in hastening the resolution of inflammation. These findings underscore the potential of EPPPβCD as a promising therapeutic agent in controlling and mitigating inflammation mediated by heavy metal exposure, thereby offering a new avenue for the development of anti-inflammatory treatments. Full article

A diet rich in simple sugars and high in fat promotes the development of diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. A high-fat diet causes changes in the carbohydrate–lipid metabolism, but may also reduce the absorption of certain elements. According to the available literature, the hypoglycemic potential shows, among other things, bitter melon and chromium(III). The aim of this work was to determine the effect of these preparations on the Fe, Zn and Cu status in experimental animals. The experiment was conducted on 60 male Wistar rats. In the first stage, 10 rats received a standard diet, while 50 rats were fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks to induce insulin resistance. Then, these rats were divided into five groups: one group fed a high fat diet, and four groups fed diets supplemented with two doses of lyophilized bitter melon (1 vs. 5% of diets) and chromium propionate (10 vs. 50 Cr mg/kg diet) for 6 consecutive weeks. During the autopsy, internal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen and heart) were collected. The content of Fe, Zn and Cu in tissues was determined by the AAS method followed by microwave digestion. Statistical analyses included both one-way and two-way (treatment × dose) analysis of variance. It was found that the high-fat diet lowered Zn and Cu in the liver and kidney, and also decreased Fe in the spleen. The 2 × 2 analysis showed that Cr(III) supplementation dose-dependently increased Zn in the spleen, while BM significantly decreased Zn in the heart. The interactions between those factors were noticed. An interaction analysis showed that the higher dose of BM significantly normalized the levels of Zn and Cu in the liver and Fe in the spleen only at the lower dose of Cr(III). In addition, a lower dose of BM and a higher dose of Cr(III) reduced the level of Cu in the heart. In conclusion, simultaneous supplementation with Cr(III) and BM is effective in improving the mineral status of rats fed a high-fat diet only when one of them is used at a lower dose. Full article

Both Zn and Cr(III) independently show similar, beneficial effects on metabolic parameters, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism particularly in patients with diabetes. However, the knowledge about the combined effect of Cr(III) supplementation in Zn homeostasis disorders is insufficient. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of chromium(III) supplementation in combination with diversified Zn content in the diet on the tissual Cr levels in healthy Wistar rats (male and female). The model studies were carried out on 72 (36♀ + 36♂) Wistar rats, which were divided into 12 groups (6 animals separately for each sex) and then fed ad libitum with 6 test diets for 6 weeks. The control groups (C) were fed a semi-synthetic AIN-93 diet with recommended levels of Zn (35 mg/kg) and Cr(III) (1 mg/kg) for rodents. The other groups were fed AIN-93 diets modified for Zn(II) content (D-Zn deficiency-5% RDA, OS-Zn oversupply-500% RDA). At the same time, the diets were supplemented with Cr(III) at doses of 1 and 50 mg/kg. The sources of Zn and Cr(III) were Zn(II) carbonate and Cr(III) propionate (Cr3), respectively. The tissular chromium levels were measured with the GF-AAS method. It was found that the Cr(III) supplementation as well as the varied Zn supply independently and in combination affected the hepatic and renal Cr contents in rats. Independently, Cr(III) supplementation increased the Cr levels in the liver and kidneys in both sexes. However, with the increase of the Zn supply in the diet decreased the renal Cr content in male (significantly) and female (insignificantly) rats. Both Zn deficiency and oversupply increased the Cr saturation in the liver in both sexes. A significant combined effect of the factors on the liver and kidney Cr content only in male rats was observed. The simultaneous Cr(III) supplementation significantly increased the liver Cr content with the recommended (by 68%) and excess (153%), but not deficient Zn supply in the diet. The research proved that the diversified Zn content in the diet, individually and in combination with Cr(III) supplementation affected the Cr status in healthy rats. Full article

Chromium propionate (Cr-Pro) and calcium propionate (Ca-Pro) are widely applied in dairy production, especially in the alleviation of heat stress (HS). HS can reduce the abundance of rumen microbiota and the lactation performance of dairy cows. The present work mainly focused on evaluating the effects of Cr-Pro and Ca-Pro on the performance, ruminal bacterial community, and stress of postpartum HS dairy cows as well as identifying the differences in their mechanisms. Fifteen multiparous postpartum Holstein cows with equivalent weights (694 ± 28 kg) and milk yields (41.2 ± 1.21 kg/day) were randomly divided into three groups: control (CON), Cr-Pro (CRPR), and Ca-Pro (CAPR). The control cows received the basal total mixed ration (TMR) diet, while the CRPR group received TMR with 3.13 g/day of Cr-Pro, and the CAPR group received TMR with 200 g/day of Ca-Pro. The rumen microbial 16S rRNA was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq platform along with the measurement of ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and milking performance. Cr-Pro and Ca-Pro improved lactation performance, increased the rumen VFA concentration, and altered the rumen microbiota of the HS dairy cows. Cr-Pro significantly improved the milk yield (p < 0.01). The richness and diversity of the microbial species significantly increased after feeding on Ca-Pro (p < 0.05). Gene function prediction revealed increased metabolic pathways and biological-synthesis-related function in the groups supplemented with Cr-Pro and Ca-Pro. Our results indicate that the application of Cr-Pro or Ca-Pro can provide relief for heat stress in dairy cows through different mechanisms, and a combination of both is recommended for optimal results in production. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtillis PB6, chromium propionate or a combination of the two on the performance, egg and eggshell quality, nutrient metabolizability and serum biochemistry of layer breeders. White Plymouth Rock and Red Rhodes Island breeder hens at 55 weeks of age were allocated in individual cages using a completely randomized block design with 16 replicates. Hens were fed control, control + probiotic (500 g/ton of Bacillus subtilis PB6), control + CrProp (50 g/ton of chromium propionate) and control + probiotic + CrProp diets from 55 to 70 weeks of age. Productive parameters and eggshell quality as well as cortisol and blood biochemistry were grouped each 28 d as well as for the overall period. The metabolizability of nutrients and energy was determined at 70 weeks of age. In the overall period, hens fed the control + probiotic or control + probiotic + CrProp diets had significantly higher egg production, egg mass, shell percentage, thickness and shell strength. The metabolizability of dry matter, nitrogen and energy increased in hens that were fed the control + probiotic + CrProp diet. In conclusion, diets supplemented with Bacillus subtillis PB6 and chromium propionate resulted in improved productive performance, eggshell quality and nutrient metabolizability of layer breeders, without modifying serum cortisol, albumin and triglycerides. Full article

The aim of the study was to evaluate the main and interactive effects of chromium(III) propionate complex (Cr3) supplementation and different iron supply on the carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile and other selected biochemical parameters of rats. The experiment was carried out in a two-factor design, in which rats were fed a diet with different proportions of Fe(III) and Cr(III) for six weeks. Fifty-four healthy female Wistar rats were divided into nine experimental groups with different Fe(III) levels, i.e. adequate—control group (45 mg/kg)—100% recommended daily dietary dose of Fe for rodents, deficient (5 mg/kg) and oversupply (180 mg/kg—400%). At the same time they were supplemented with Cr(III) of doses 1 (adequate), 50 and 500 mg/kg of diet. The activity and concentrations of most biochemical parameters were measured with standard enzymatic, kinetic, and colorimetric methods. HOMA-IR and QUICKI indexes were calculated according to appropriate formulas. It was found that there was an interactive effect of high Cr(III) doses and different Fe(III) levels in the diet on the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes. The presented results suggested that iron deficient diet fed animals led to insulin resistance; however, an effect is attenuated by Cr(III) supplementation at high doses. There were no significant changes in the rats’ lipid profile (except for the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level) and most of the other biochemical parameters, such as the leptin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total protein (TP), creatinine (Crea) and the urea (BUN) concentrations. The study proved that the Cr(III) supplementation, independently and in combination with diversified Fe(III) content in the diet, affected the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes but did not affect lipid profile and most of the other biochemical parameters in healthy rats. The findings proved the role of Fe and Cr(III) and their interactions on disturbances carbohydrates metabolism. Full article

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of varying levels of chromium propionate on blood biochemistry and growth performance of broilers (1–35 days). Five diets were formulated by using chromium propionate with inclusion levels of 0, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ppb. A total of 300 broilers were divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds in each under completely randomized design. The starter feed intake remained unaffected (p > 0.05) whereas finisher and overall feed intake was different (p < 0.05) among different experimental groups. Feed conversion ratio and weight gain in starter, finisher and overall improved significantly (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of chromium propionate. Blood glucose was decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary chromium level. Chromium supplementation did not affect antibodies titers against NDV and AIV-H9. Neither live, hilal, after skin removal, eviscerated, chest weight and legs with shanks weight nor liver and heart weights were affected (p > 0.05) while gizzard weight reduced significantly (p < 0.05) due to supplementation of chromium. On the basis of results, it may be concluded that chromium propionate supplementation improved weight gain and FCR and reduced blood glucose. However, better performance and weight gain may be achieved if chromium propionate is added at the rate of 400 ppb in broiler diets. Full article