Impacts of Chromium Propionate Supplementation During Preconditioning on Growth, Temperament, Physiology, Immunity, and Rumen Fermentation of Brangus Steers
Experimental evaluation shows chromium supplementation improves growth and immune response in beef calves, suggesting enhanced health management practices.
Key Points
The study aims to assess how chromium propionate supplementation affects growth, immune response, and physiology in Brangus steers during preconditioning.
Sixty weaned male Brangus calves assigned to control and chromium supplementation groups.
Calves vaccinated and monitored for body weight and physiological responses at multiple time points.
Blood, liver, and rumen fluid samples collected for analysis of various health markers.
Calves supplemented with chromium showed increased body weight and average daily gain.
Chromium supplementation reduced serum cortisol and improved immune responses to vaccines.
Increased rumen concentrations of volatile fatty acids and certain fatty acids linked to better metabolic health were observed.