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KEMTRACETM Chromium
Heat stress is caused by a combination of weather and environmental variables, including high ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed. Under high heat load, when the animal’s ability to dissipate body heat is impaired, additional body heat may be detrimental to the animal’s well-being, which leads to negative impacts on both animal welfare and the economic performance of production system. (References are available upon request)
The beef cattle temperature humidity index chart demonstrates the risk level in planning cattle handling during the summer months. Cattle producers need to be aware of the risk of heat stress based on the weather forecast. The animal's core temperature peaks approximately two hours after the environmental temperature peaks and takes 4-6 hours to lower back to normal temperature.
Farmers in tropical regions—including large parts of Southeast Asia, e.g. Vietnam and Indonesia are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to temperatures ranging between 23°C to 32°C, and the average humidity is above 70% in a year. As well as in Northeast Asia countries e.g. Korea and Japan and Oceanic countries. Australia and New Zealand are also susceptible to significantly suffering heat stress. For example, In Queensland, the statewide mean annual temperature is 24.6° (between 2015-2019), and the region is prone to over 300 sunshine days per year. Thus, most animals will be exposed to conditions that could lead to heat stress.
In order to combat an immune challenge, an active immune system in a Holstein steer requires more than 2,000 kilocalories in a 24-hour period. The glucose meant for economically relevant tissues will instead be used to support this immune function, reducing total production and profitability8.
Heat can be a major stressor on cattle. The energy expended to compensate for the impact of stress decreases the amount of energy available for productive purposes, including daily gain, immune system efficiency and muscle production. Chromium potentiates the action of insulin, which ultimately allows more glucose availability at the cellular level. Additional glucose is used by the animal in a hierarchical manner to help reduce the energy demand from stress events, such as difficult pen conditions and/or high ambient temperatures, to provide needed energy for productive purposes.
Do your cattle have everything they need to stay healthy and productive? If chromium supplementation isn’t part of your summer ration, the answer is likely no.
Evidence suggests insulin action is a key component of the heat stress response. Chromium improves insulin function and results in efficient clearance of glucose from the bloodstream. Increased glucose uptake may improve thermal tolerance in heat-stressed animals.
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