KemTRACE^® Chromium and Immunity

In order to combat an immune challenge, an active immune system requires 4 lbs. of sugar over a 24-hour period. The sugar meant for milk production will instead be used to support this immune function, reducing total milk production and profitability.

What is 1 kg of Glucose Worth in Terms of Milk Yield Performance?

Impact of Chromium on Immunity

Research studies have reported improved immune function of activated leukocytes when animals were supplemented with chromium.^2,3,4

A recent study conducted with lactating Holstein cows observed the following:

INCREASED CIRCULATING NEUTROPHIL COUNTS IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE (LPS) - administered cows supplemented with chromium (Figure 1).⁵

Figure 1. Effect of chromium supplementation on circulating neutrophils following an LPS challenge or pair-feeding in lactating dairy cows⁵

Fending Off Infection

Research at Cornell University suggests that:

SUPPLEMENTAL CHROMIUM ENHANCED IMMUNE RESPONSES in early lactation to bacterial challenges in the uterus by increasing neutrophil proliferation (Table 1).⁶

Table 1. Effect of chromium supplementation on endometrial cytology⁶

¹Neutrophil > 10%

Increased neutrophil proliferation more effectively cleared infections, which resulted in fewer cows with subclinical endometritis – a leading cause of reduced first service insemination conception rates. Ultimately, improving overall herd reproductive health should contribute to lower veterinary/medical costs, lower improved conception rates, and more optimal milk production.

Resources

References

¹Kvidera, S. K. 2017. Glucose requirements of an activated immune system in lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 100:3, 2360-2374.
²Moonsie-Shageer, S., and D. N. Mowat. 1993. Effect of level of supplemental chromium on performance, serum constituents, and immune status of stressed feeder calves. J. Anim. Sci. 71:232-238.
³Chang, X., B. A. Mallard, and D. N. Mowat. 1996. Effects of chromium on health status, blood neutrophil phagocytosis and in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis of dairy cows. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 52:37-52.
⁴Lee, D. N., C. F. Weng, H. T. Yen, T. F. Shen, and B. J. Chen. 2000. Effects of chromium supplementation and lipopolysaccharide injection on physiological responses of weanling pigs. Asian-Australasian. J. Anim. Sci. 13:528.534.
⁵Horst, E. A., S. K. Kvidera, E. J. Mayorga, C. S. Shouse, M. Al-Qaisi, M. J. Dickson, J. Ydstie, H. A. Ramirez, A. F. Keating, D. J. Dickson, K. E. Griswold, and L. H. Baumgard. 2018. Effect of chromium on bioenergetics and leukocyte dynamics following immunoactivation in lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 101:1-16.
⁶Yasui, T., J. A. A. McArt, C. M. Tyan, R. O. Gilbert, D. V. Nydam, F. Valdez, K. E. Griswold, and T. R. Overton. 2014. Effects of chromium propionate supplementation during the periparturient period and early lactation on metabolism, performance, and cytological endometritis in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 97:6400-6410.

Have a Question?

If  you have a question about our products or services, or just want more information, fill out the form below and someone on our team will be in contact with you.