Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and tissue chromium levels of Japanese quails

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary chromium supplementation on performance, carcass traits, blood chemistry, and tissue distribution of chromium (Cr³⁺) in quails. Two hundred forty 1-d-old Japanese quails were divided into five groups with four replicates and were fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 80, or 100 mg/kg Cr (CrCl₃·6H₂O) until 38 d of age. Chromium supplementation decreased carcass fat percentage, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucose and increased serum magnesium (Mg) and Cr content of kidney, liver, and muscle. In conclusion, 20, 40, 80, or 100 mg/kg Cr supplementation to quail diet had no effect on performance, chemical composition of carcass except fat percentage, serum protein, calcium (Ca), and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) levels, but reduced serum glucose, LDL and fat percentage of carcass. Chromium is accumulated mainly in the kidneys and liver.     

Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Performances and Some Metabolic Parameters in Late Gestation and Early Lactation of Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplemental chromium as chromium-L-methionine (Cr-Met) on productive and reproductive performances and some metabolic parameters in late gestation and early lactation of dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein dairy cows according to prior lactation, parity, body mass (682?±?33?kg), and expected calving date were divided equally (30 cows/treatment) and were randomly allocated to one of the two groups. One group received basal diet without Cr (control group) and another group received Cr-Met supplement added at manufacturer's recommended level (8?mg of "Cr"/head per day) from 21?days before expected calving date until 21?days of lactation. Supplemental Cr tended to increase milk yield (P?=?0.08) while percentage of lactose and lactose yield increased (P??0.05). Percentage of cyclic cows at 36?days postpartum and estrous behavior before AI was higher in the supplemented group.     

Effect of chromium supplementation on growth performance,meal pattern,metabolic and antioxidant status and insulin sensitivity of summer-exposed weaned dairy calves

Stressful situations may result in serum chromium (Cr) depletion with increased urinary excretion of the mineral and increased Cr requirements. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Cr supplementation on growth performance, feeding behavior, blood metabolites and hormones, indicators of oxidative stress and glucose-insulin kinetics of summer-exposed weaned dairy calves. In total, 48 Holstein female calves (63 days of age; 77.0±1.45 kg of BW) were assigned randomly to one of two treatments: (1) a control group with no supplemental Cr (Cr−), and (2) a supplemental Cr group (Cr+) to supply 0.05 mg Cr as Cr-methionine/kg of BW^0.75. Chromium was provided in the starter feed and adjusted weekly based on BW over the experimental period. All calves were on experiment for 4 weeks after weaning. The average maximum temperature–humidity index was 76.1 units during the study period, indicating a mild degree of environmental heat load. Results indicated that in summer-exposed dairy calves, increased dietary Cr provision tended to decrease fecal score, tended to change rumination pattern, increased antioxidant capacity by increasing serum concentration of catalase, but had no effects on growth performance, metabolic status or peripheral glucose and insulin metabolism.     

Effect of Feeding Inorganic Chromium on Growth Performance, Endocrine Variables, and Energy Metabolites in Winter-Exposed Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)

We investigated the effect of chromium (Cr) supplementation on the growth performance, energy metabolites, and hormonal variation in winter-exposed buffalo calves. Twenty-four female buffalo calves were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (n?=?6) for a period of 120 days. Feeding regimen was the same in all the groups, except the animals in the four respective groups were additionally supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg DM in the form of CrCl₃.6H₂O. Calves were monitored daily for physiological variables and dry matter intake (DMI). Blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals from each buffalo calves to measure concentrations of hormones (insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone), energy metabolites (glucose and non-esterified fatty acids), and plasma mineral levels. After 120 days of feeding trial, buffalo calves fed with Cr had lower (P?<?0.05) circulating plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and cortisol hormones, whereas plasma thyroid hormone and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were found similar (P?>?0.05) among all the treatments. The results suggested that dietary Cr supplementation influenced plasma Cr levels without affecting the plasma concentrations of other trace minerals. However, physiological variables, nutrient intake, and growth performance of buffalo calves did not differ among all treatments (P?>?005). In summary, the current study showed that supplementation of Cr at the level of 1.0 and 1.5 mg of Cr/kg DMI was more effective in improving glucose utilization by increasing potency of insulin hormone and reducing concentration of cortisol hormone. Results also suggested that supplemental Cr also improves blood plasma Cr levels.     

Effects of Dietary Selenium, Vitamin E, and Their Combination on Growth, Serum Metabolites, and Antioxidant Defense System in Skeletal Muscle of Broilers Under Heat Stress

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E, selenium (Se), and a combination of the two, on the performance, serum metabolites and oxidative stability of skeletal muscle of broilers during heat stress. The broilers raised in either a thermoneutral (23.9°C constant) or heat stress (23.9°C to 37°C cycling) environment were assigned to 6 dietary treatments (0, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg Se; 125 and 250 mg/kg vitamin E; or 0.5 mg/kg Se plus 125 mg/kg vitamin E) from 1 to 49 days of age. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from chicks, the chicks sacrificed, and pectoralis superficialis muscle was used for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The heat-stressed chicks consumed less feed, gained less weight, and had higher feed conversion ratio when compared to thermoneutral chicks (P<0.05). Serum concentrations of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were decreased by heat stress (P<0.05), whereas the serum concentrations of copper (Cu), glucose, and uric acid were significantly increased under heat stress (P<0.05). The chicks that received supplemental of vitamin E exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of Zn (P<0.05) and significantly lower concentrations of Cu, glucose, and uric acid (P<0.05) when exposed to heat stress. Dietary Se also caused a significant decrease in serum glucose, uric acid, and Cu concentrations of heat-stressed broilers (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on Zn concentration (P>0.05). The GPx activity remained relatively constant (P>0.05), though SOD activity and MDA levels in skeletal muscle were enhanced on exposure to heat stress (P<0.05). The heat-stressed chicks that received the combined supplementary level of vitamin E and Se had the lowest concentration of MDA and the highest activity of SOD in the skeletal muscle (P<0.05). Dietary Se also caused a significant increase in enzyme activity of GPx in the skeletal muscle (P<0.05). These results indicate that the derangement of blood parameters and oxidative stability in broilers under heat stress are improved by supplemental vitamin E and Se.     

Antioxidant properties of chromium and zinc

The effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and zinc (ZnSO₄H₂O) supplementation on serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (an indicator of lipid peroxidation) and serum status of some antioxidant vitamins and minerals of laying hens (Hy-Line) reared at a low ambient temperature (6.8°C) were evaluated. One hundred twenty laying hens (Hy-Line; 32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The hens were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 0.4 mg Cr/kg of diet, 30 mg Zn/kg of diet, or 0.4 mg Cr plus 30 mg Zn/kg of diet. Digestibility of nutrients (dry matter [DM], organic matter [OM], crude protein [CP], and ether extract [EE]) increased by supplementation of chromium and zinc (p<0.05). Supplemental chromium and zinc increased serum vitamins C and E but decreased MDA concentrations (p<0.05). Additionally, supplemental chromium and zinc caused an increase in the serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cr (p < 0.05). The present study showed that low ambient temperature causes detrimental effects on the digestibility of nutrients and antioxidant status and that such detrimental effects caused by low ambient temperature can be alleviated by chromium and zinc supplementation, particularly when Cr and Zn were simultaneously included into the diet. Data obtained in the present study suggest that such supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in a diet of laying hens for alleviating negative effects of cold stress.     

Chromium and chronic ascorbic acid depletion effects on tissue ascorbate,manganese, and14C retention from14C-ascorbate in guinea pigs

Chromium (Cr) potentiates the effects of insulin and a role for insulin in ascorbic acid transport has been reported. Therefore, the effects of Cr and ascorbate depletion on tissue ascorbic acid and¹⁴C distribution and excretion after a¹⁴C ascorbate dose were investigated in guinea pigs. As utilization of dietary Cr is affected by interaction with other minerals, tissue manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were examined. For 20 wk, 40 weanling animals were fed either a Cr-deficient (<0.06 μg Cr/g diet, ?Cr) or a Cr-adequate (2 μg Cr from CrCl₃/g diet, +Cr) casein-based diet and were given 1 mg ascorbate/d (?C) or 10 mg ascorbate/d (+C) for 20 wk. Animals fed the Cr-depleted diet had decreased weight at 20 wk (p<0.01). Six hours before necropsy, animals were dosed by micropipette with 1.8 μCi ofl-[carboxyl-¹⁴C] ascorbic acid and placed in metabolic cages. Ascorbate supplementation increased Fe concentrations in most analyzed tissues, hepatic¹⁴C, tissue ascorbate and Mn concentration in the adrenal and testes, but decreased the concentrations of Cu in the kidney and Mn in the spleen. Liver Mn concentration was higher and kidney Mn concentration was lower in +Cr animals. Interactions between Cr and ascorbic acid affected Mn concentrations in bone and brain. These results indicate that ascorbate and Cr may affect Mn distribution. Chromium supplementation decreased plasma cortisol, brain¹⁴C and the amount of¹⁴C expired as carbon dioxide. These findings suggest that dietary Cr may affect ascorbic acid metabolism and the metabolic response to stress.     

Antioxidant properties of chromium and zinc: in vivo effects on digestibility,lipid peroxidation,antioxidant vitamins,and some minerals under a low ambient temperature

The effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and zinc (ZnSO(4)H(2)O) supplementation on serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (an indicator of lipid peroxidation) and serum status of some antioxidant vitamins and minerals of laying hens (Hy-Line) reared at a low ambient temperature (6.8 degrees C) were evaluated. One hundred twenty laying hens (Hy-Line; 32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The hens were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 0.4 mg Cr/kg of diet, 30 mg Zn/kg of diet, or 0.4 mg Cr plus 30 mg Zn/kg of diet. Digestibility of nutrients (dry matter [DM], organic matter [OM], crude protein [CP], and ether extract [EE]) increased by supplementation of chromium and zinc (p < 0.05). Supplemental chromium and zinc increased serum vitamins C and E but decreased MDA concentrations (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplemental chromium and zinc caused an increase in the serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cr (p < 0.05). The present study showed that low ambient temperature causes detrimental effects on the digestibility of nutrients and antioxidant status and that such detrimental effects caused by low ambient temperature can be alleviated by chromium and zinc supplementation, particularly when Cr and Zn were simultaneously included into the diet. Data obtained in the present study suggest that such supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in a diet of laying hens for alleviating negative effects of cold stress.     

Effects of dietary chromium and ascorbic acid supplementation on digestion of nutrients,serum antioxidant status,and mineral concentrations in laying hens reared at a low ambient temperature

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) supplementation on the digestion of nutrients and serum concentration of some antioxidant vitamins and minerals of laying hens (Hy-Line) reared at a low ambient temperature (6.8°C). One hundred twenty laying hens (32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The laying hens were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 400 μg of Cr/kg diet, 250 mg of l-ascorbic acid/kg diet, or 400 μg of Cr plus 250 mg l-ascorbic acid/kg diet. The digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, and EE) increased by the supplementation of chromium and vitamin C (p<0.05). Supplemental chromium and vitamin C also increased serum vitamin C and E but decreased malondialdehyde concentrations (p<0.05). Additionally, supplemental chromium and vitamin C caused an increase in the serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cr (p<0.05) but a decrease in Cu concentration. The results of the present study showed that each dietary supplement influenced most of the parameters measured in a similar way. Also, a combination of the two supplements resulted in an additive effect, and supplementing a combination of vitamin C (250 mg/kg of diet) and chromium (400 μg Cr/kg diet) may offer a potential protective management practice in preventing cold-stress-related depression in the performance of laying hens.     

Glucose tolerance and serum concentrations of hormones and metabolites in goats ( Capra hircus) fed diets supplemented with inorganic and organic chromium salts

Adult goats (no. = 18) were supplemented with chromium (Cr, 0.5 mg/kg concentrate) for 120 days as Cr chloride and Cr yeast complex and their responses in terms of glucose tolerance and serum profiles of metabolites and hormones were measured. The goats were fed 200 g/day of the concentrate and reared under a semi-intensive regimen. Cr supplementation significantly reduced serum glucose ( P = 0.049) and cholesterol ( P = 0.0001) levels compared with the same in the control group (calculated as % change between days 0 and 120). Serum cortisol on day 120 was lower in goats fed Cr chloride than in the control group ( P < 0.05). Overall, the mean cortisol level was lower ( P = 0.001) in the goats receiving added dietary Cr. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed on the goats on day 75. The clearance rate (k) of glucose between 5 and 60 min of glucose infusion was significantly higher ( P = 0.004) in the goats supplemented with Cr yeast compared with those on the control or the Cr chloride supplemented diets. The kinetic parameters as well as the k and T_1/2 responses for serum insulin during the IVGTT were not affected. The ratio between the insulin k to glucose k increased ( P = 0.011) in the goats fed added dietary Cr as Cr chloride compared with the control and the Cr yeast groups. Post-prandial serum levels of glucose (diet effect P = 0.038) and cholesterol (diet effect P = 0.033) was lower in both the Cr supplemented groups than the control. Serum glucose during an epinephrine challenge test tended to remain elevated ( P = 0.076) 2 h after epinephrine infusion in the Cr yeast group indicating a delayed return of serum glucose to the basal level. However, serum insulin and cortisol remained unaffected. Several changes in selected blood metabolites and hormone measurements were observed when Cr was added as a dietary supplement in the diet of the goats. Contrary to the generally accepted view, supplemental Cr may influence the metabolism of ruminants even in a non-stressed management regime.     

Improved performance and immunological responses as the result of dietary genistein supplementation of broiler chicks

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of supplemental genistein (an isoflavonoid) on performance, lymphoid organs’ development, and cellular and humoral immune responses in broiler chicks. A total of 675-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to the five replicate pens (15 chicks each) of nine experimental diets. Dietary treatments included a negative (not-supplemented) control diet, two positive control groups (virginiamycin or zinc-bacitracin, 20 mg/kg), and diets containing 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg of genistein. The cutaneous basophil hypersensivity (CBH) test was measured at day 10 of age after toe web injection with phytohemagglutinin-P. In addition, sera samples were collected after different antigen inoculations to investigate antibody responses. At day 28 of age, three randomly selected birds from each pen were euthanized to evaluate the relative weights of lymphoid organs. Results showed that dietary supplementation of both antibiotics increased (P<0.01) feed intake during 1 to 42 days of age. Furthermore, daily weight gain was influenced (P<0.01) by dietary treatments throughout the trial, so that the birds fed on antibiotics and 20 to 80 mg/kg genistein diets revealed the greater weight gains compared with other experimental groups. The best (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio assigned to the birds fed on diets containing antibiotics and moderate levels (40 to 80 mg/kg) of genistein. Although the relative weights of thymus (P<0.05) and bursa of Fabricius (P<0.01) were greater in birds fed on genistein-supplemented diets compared with antibiotics-supplemented birds, the spleen weight was not affected by experimental diets. Similarly, CBH response and antibody titers against Newcastle and infectious bronchitis disease viruses were markedly (P<0.05) greater in chicks fed on diets supplemented with 20 to 80 mg/kg of genistein. Interestingly, the higher dosages of genistein suppressed CBH and antibody responses to the levels seen by control and antibiotics chicks. Dietary inclusion of genistein increased (P<0.05) lymphocytes and subsequently reduced (P<0.01) heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. The present findings indicate that dietary genistein supplementation at the levels of 20 to 80 mg/kg not only improves growth performance, but also could beneficially affect immunological responses in broiler chicks.     

Lack of Effect of Dietary Chromium Supplementation on Growth Performance and Serum Insulin, Glucose, and Lipoprotein Levels in Broilers Reared Under Heat Stress Condition

This study evaluated the effects of supplemental dietary chromium (Cr) on the performance, carcass traits, and some serum parameters of broilers under a heat stress (23.9 to 37 °C cycling) condition. A total of 150 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) according to a completely randomized design were assigned into five treatment groups. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and each replicate contained ten chicks. Treatments were supplemented with 0 (control), 600, and 1,200 μg kg^?1 Cr in the form of Cr chloride (CrCl₃) and Cr L-methionine from 1 to 49 days of age. Blood samples were collected from two birds in each replicate to determine serum parameters at 35 and 49 days of age. The body mass, feed intake, and conversion ratio were not influenced by dietary Cr (P?>?0.05). Dietary supplementation of Cr from either CrCl₃ or Cr L-methionine caused increased serum concentrations of Cr (P?<?0.05), but had no effect on serum insulin and glucose concentrations at both sampling times (P?>?0.05). Serum triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also not significantly affected (P?>?0.05) by dietary treatments, whereas total cholesterol concentration decreased in chicks fed Cr L-methionine compared to the control (P?<?0.05).     

Effects of dietary chromium and zinc on egg production, egg quality, and some blood metabolites of laying hens reared under low ambient temperature

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and zinc (ZnSO₄·H₂O) on egg production, egg quality, and serum insulin, corticosterone, glucose, cholesterol, and total protein concentrations of laying hens reared under a low ambient temperature (6.8°C). One hundred twenty laying hens (Hy-Line; 32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The laying hens were fed the control diet (T1) or the control diet supplemented with either 400 μg of Cr/kg of diet (T2), 30 mg of Zn/kg of diet (T3), or 400 μg of Cr plus 30 mg of Zn/kg of diet (T4). Although the dry matter intake (DMI) was similar (p>0.05) for all treatment groups, supplemental chromium and zinc either individually or together increased live-weight change, egg production, and improved feed efficiency (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between T4 and T2 or T3. Compared to T1, supplemental chromium and zinc increased egg weight, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, egg specific gravity, and Haugh unit (p<0.05) in T2, T3, and T4 groups, among which there was no significant difference. Serum insulin concentration increased (p<0.05) and corticosterone concentration decreased (p<0.05) with dietary chromium and zinc supplementation. Serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations decreased (p<0.05) and protein concentrations increased (p<0.001) with dietary chromium and zinc supplementation in all treatment groups. The results of this study indicated that either supplemental dietary chromium or zinc increased plasma insulin and decreased corticosterone concentrations and that had a positive effect on performance of laying hens under low ambient temperature.     

Nanoparticles of Selenium as Species with Stronger Physiological Effects in Sheep in Comparison with Sodium Selenite

The present study was designed to compare the effects of nano red selenium and sodium selenite on the antioxidative activities of neutrophils and the hematological parameters in sheep. Fifteen sheep were randomly allocated into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 received selenium nanoparticles orally at 1 mg/kg and sodium selenite at 1 mg Se/kg for 10 consecutive days; group 3 served as the control. To assess the degrees of oxidative stress and of lipid peroxidation of the cellular membranes, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined in serum samples that were collected at different supplementation intervals, i.e., after 0, 10, 20, and 30 days. In addition, hematological parameters in the serum samples were measured by routine procedures. It was found that TBARS levels in groups 1 and 2 were significantly higher on days 20 and 30 compared to the basal level on day 0. It was also found that on day 30, the TBARS activities in both treated groups were significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.05). These findings may explain the seemingly paradoxical effects of supplemental selenium on the indicators of oxidative stress, as the levels of TBARS were generally expected to decrease in the presence of selenium. There were no significant differences between the PCV and RBC values in the three groups. The white blood cell count (WBC) in group 1 showed a significant increase on days 20 and 30 in comparison with the control group. However, in group 2, there was a significant increase of the WBC value just on day 20 in comparison with the control group. Also, there were significant increases of the neutrophil counts and significant decreases of the lymphocyte counts on day 10 in group 1, in comparison with those in group 2 and controls, and on days 20 and 30 in groups 1 and 2 in comparison with those in the control group.     

Comparison of the uptake and distribution of chromate in rats and mice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate species differences in tissue accumulation of chromium. Rats and mice were orally exposed to Cr(VI) (potassium chromate) via drinking water (8 mg/d/kg body wt for 4 or 8 wk) or by ip injection (0.3 and 0.8 mg/d/kg, for 4 or 14 d). Chromium concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and tissues were compared for exposure route and species differences. After oral exposure, irrespective of treatment duration, liver concentrations of chromium were three to four times higher in mice than rats, whereas kidney concentrations were about 50% lower. However, after ip injection, kidney and blood concentrations in rats were two- and four-fold, higher, respectively. Both rats and mice showed high values of Cr concentration in the bone. After single ip injection of Na₂ ⁵¹CrO₄; Cr concentrations were higher in the blood of rats than mice both after 24 and 72 h. Red blood cell concentrations of Cr were also greater in rats than mice by approximately threefold, whereas white blood cell Cr concentrations were higher in mice than rats. There was also a twofold greater binding of Cr/μmol of hemoglobin in rats compared to mice. These data indicate that species differences exist for Cr metabolism and that they differ with respect to the route of exposure. These results may be owing to species differences in the reduction of Cr and different binding of Cr to hemoglobin.     

Effects of dietary combination of chromium and biotin on egg production, serum metabolites, and egg yolk mineral and cholesterol concentrations in heat-distressed laying quails

Chromium picolinate is used in the poultry diet because of its antistress effects in addition to the fact that the requirement for it is increased during stress. This study was conducted to determine if the negative effects of high ambient temperature (34°C) on egg production, egg quality, antioxidant status, and cholesterol and mineral content of egg yolk could be alleviated by combination of chromium picolinate and biotin (0.6/2.0; Diachrome^™, as formulated by Nutrition 21 Inc.), in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japanica), Quails (n=240; 50 d old) were divided into 8 groups, 30 birds per group. The quails were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, or 8 mg of Diachrome/kg diet. Birds were kept at 22°C and 53% relative humidity (RH). At 14 wk of age, the thermoneutral (TN) group remained in the same temperature as at the beginning of experiment, whereas the heat stress (HS) group was kept in an environment-controlled room (34°C and 41% RH) for 3 wk. Heat exposure decreased performance when the basal diet was fed (p=0.001). Diachrome supplementation at 4 and 8 mg/kg diet, increased feed intake (p=0.05), egg production (p=0.05), feed efficiency (p=0.01), egg weight (p=0.05), and Haugh unit (p=0.01) in quails reared under heat stress conditions. Heat exposure increased concentrations of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=0.001), glucose, and cholesterol (p=0.01), which were elevated by supplemental Diachrome (p≤0.05). Egg yolk Cr, Zn, and Fe (p=0.01) concentrations increased linearly, whereas MDA and cholesterol concentrations decreased (p=0.05) as dietary Diachrome supplementation increased in HS groups. Similar effects of supplementation on serum levels of glucose and cholesterol (p=0.05) and egg yolk concentrations of cholesterol (p=0.05) and Cr (p=0.01) were observed in TN groups. No significant differences in other values were observed in the TN groups. Results of the present study suggest that supplementation with Diachrome protects the quail by reducing the negative effects of heat stress.     

Interaction of dietary calcium,manganese, and manganese source (Mn oxide or Mn methionine complex) on chick performance and manganese utilization

Two trials were conducted to determine the utilization of manganese (Mn) as influenced by the level and source of Mn and the level of dietary calcium (Ca) in broiler chickens. Trial One was a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of two Mn sources (Mn methionine or manganous oxide), two levels of dietary Ca (1.8 or 1.0), and three levels of supplemental Mn (30, 60, or 200 mg/kg) fed until 4 wk of age. Total phosphorus (available phosphorus) levels were 0.70% (0.48%) during all ages. High levels of dietary Ca caused a slower early rate of growth (0.53 vs. 0.64 kg) for chicks fed 1.8 vs 1.0% Ca, respectively. Chick weight was equivalent for all diets within the Ca-treatment group, except the dietary combination of high Ca and 200 mg/kg Mn as Mn methionine. Bone and liver Mn were significantly increased as the Mn level increased, but were not affected by the Mn source. Chicks fed 1.8% Ca had higher levels of bone Mn (9.28 ppm) than chicks fed 1.0% Ca (7.23 ppm). High levels of dietary Ca and 200 ppm Mn methionine dramatically depressed early growth, feed intake, and bone ash in this trial, raising the question of a diet x environment (heat-stress) effect. Trial Two was a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of two levels of dietary Ca (1.8 or 1.0%) and two Mn sources (200 mg/kg Mn as Mn methionine or MnO) up to 3 wk of age in a controlled heat-stress environment. No growth depression in the chicks fed high levels of Ca and Mn methionine was observed. In the presence of high levels of dietary Ca, bone Mn was significantly higher when chicks were fed the MnO source. In summary, dietary Ca did not decrease Mn utilization in these trials, and availability of Mn in Mn methionine as a source compared to MnO depended on dietary Ca levels.     

Chromium(III) Nanoparticles Affect Hormone and Immune Responses in Heat-Stressed Rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium nanoparticles (CrNano) on the hormone and immune responses of rats in heat stress condition. A total of 80 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups (n?=?20). The first group was offered a basal diet as a control. The second, third, and fourth groups received basal diet supplemented with 150, 300, and 450 μg/kg Cr, respectively, in the form of CrNano. At the end of the 8-week trial, growth performance, food utilization, and sera concentrations of hormones, immunoglobulins, and alexins were determined. Lymphocyte proliferation activity, antibody response to injected sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), and phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages were determined by ³H-thymidine uptake method, plaque-forming cells (PFC) assay, and ingesting chicken red blood cells test, respectively. The results indicated that rats that received CrNano exhibited no changes in growth rate and food efficiency compared to the control group. However, dietary supplementation of 150, 300, and 450 μg/kg Cr from CrNano significantly decreased serum concentrations of insulin and cortisol, increased sera levels of insulin-like growth factor I and immunoglobulin G, and enhanced the lymphoproliferative response, anti-SRBC PFC response, and phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that dietary supplementation of Cr as CrNano affects hormone and immune status in heat-stressed rats.     

Inorganic Vanadium Supplementation in Crossbred Calves: Effects on Antioxidant Status,Immune Response and Haemato-Biochemical Attributes

This study aims to investigate the contents of trace elements in the brain and serum of male chickens and the effect of selenium–chromium(VI) interaction. A chronic experimental model was established by supplementing 22.14 mg/kg K₂Cr₂O₇ with 0.00, 0.31, 0.63, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 mg/kg Na₂SeO₃ mg/kg B.W. to water for chicken daily. After 14, 28, and 42 days of exposure to the solution, the brain and serum of chickens from each group were collected to detect the levels of Ca, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Mg by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Cr(VI) time-dependently accumulated in the brain and serum. The contents of Cr increased both in the brain and serum with prolonged exposure. Cr contents in the brain and serum decreased in all Se groups compared with those in only Cr-treated groups. Ca contents decreased with prolonged exposure and increasing Se dosage. The contents of Cu and Mn increased on the 28th day but decreased on the 42nd day in the brain and serum. Fe and Zn contents decreased in the serum under prolonged exposure and increased on the 28th day but decreased on the 42nd day in the brain. Cr exposure did not significantly affect Mg contents in the brain but slightly decreased those in the serum. Therefore, appropriate doses of Se affected Cr accumulation, leading to adjustments in the contents and correlations of trace elements.     

Dietary supplementation of organic or inorganic chromium modulates the immune responses of broilers vaccinated with Avian Influenza virus vaccine

Dietary supplementation with the organic chromium (Cr) has been shown to positively affect the immune function of poultry. However, to our knowledge, no experiment has been done to directly compare the impacts of Cr chloride and chromium picolinate (CrPic) on the immune responses of broilers vaccinated with Avian Influenza (AI) virus vaccine. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of supplemental Cr sources (Cr chloride and CrPic) and levels on the growth performance and immune responses of broilers vaccinated with AI virus vaccine so as to provide an effective nutritional strategy for improving immune function of broilers. A total of 432 1-day (d)-old male broiler chicks were used in a 1 plus 2×4 design. Chickens were given either a diet without Cr supplementation (control) or diets supplemented with 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 mg Cr/kg as either Cr chloride or CrPic for 42 d. Compared to the control, dietary Cr supplementation had no effect (P>0.05) on average daily gain, average daily feed intake and gain : feed of broilers during the starter and grower phases, but increased (P<0.05) the relative weights of bursa of fabricius on d 21 and thymus, spleen, or bursa of fabricius on d 42, serum antibody titers against AI virus on d 21, 28, 35 and 42, blood T-lymphocyte transformation rate on d 28 and 42, blood T-lymphocyte percentage on d 42, and serum interleukin-2 contents on d 28. Broilers fed the diets supplemented with the inorganic Cr chloride had higher (P<0.05) weights of thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricius than those fed the diets supplemented with the CrPic on d 42. In addition, broilers fed the diets supplemented with the CrPic had higher (P<0.05) antibody titers against AI virus than those fed the diets supplemented with the inorganic Cr chloride on d 21 and 35. These results indicate that dietary Cr supplementation improved immune responses of broilers vaccinated with AI virus, and the inorganic Cr chloride was more effective than the CrPic in increasing the relative weights of lymphoid organs, however, the CrPic was more effective than the inorganic Cr chloride in enhancing the serum antibody titer against AI virus.