Performance traits and metabolic responses in goats (Capra hircus) supplemented with inorganic trivalent chromium.

Abstract

The effects of supplemental chromium (Cr) as chromic chloride hexahydrate in incremental dose levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/day for 240 days) on metabolism of nutrients and trace elements were determined in dwarf Bengal goats (Capra hircus, castrated males, average age 3 months, n = 24, initial mean body weight 6.4 +/- 0.22 kg). Live weight increased linearly (p < 0.05) with the level of supplemental Cr. Organic matter and crude protein digestibility, intake of total digestible nutrients, and retention of N (g/g N intake) increased (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent linear manner. Serum cholesterol and tryacylglycerol concentrations changed inversely with the dose of supplemental Cr (p < 0.01). Supplemental Cr positively influenced retention of copper and iron (p < 0.05) causing linear increase (p < 0.01) in their serum concentrations. It was concluded that Cr supplementation may improve utilization of nutrients including the trace elements and may also elicit a hypolidemic effect in goats. However, further study with regards to optimization of dose is warranted.

• Authors: Sudipto Haldar, Souvik Mondal, Saikat Samanta, Tapan Kumar Ghosh
• Journal: Biological trace element research (Biol Trace Elem Res) Vol. 131 Issue 2 Pg. 110-23 (Nov 2009) ISSN: 1559-0720 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19401812 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Trace Elements
• Chromium

Topics

• Animals
• Body Weight (physiology)
• Chromium (administration & dosage, blood, metabolism)
• Dietary Supplements
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Goats
• Male
• Metabolism (physiology)
• Trace Elements