Dairy Nutrition Resources
KemTRACE® Chromium
KemTRACE® Chromium for Dairy Cattle
KemTRACE® Chromium is a highly bioavailable, organic source of chromium that helps improve glucose utilization for increased cellular energy and function. This results in better animal maintenance, reproduction, growth and immunity.
Chromium supplementation has also been shown to improve energy utilization and reduce the impact of negative energy balance in early lactation.
KemTRACE® Chromium Mode of Action
Insulin plays a key role in optimum cell function by acting as a “key” in the lock to the door that allows glucose into the cell. Chromium supplementation primarily acts to improve insulin sensitivity so more glucose can enter the cell. The additional glucose allows more energy to be available for proper cell function.
KemTRACE® Chromium: Essential for Your Dairy
The dietary trace element, chromium, is necessary to optimize the activation of the insulin receptor so more glucose can get into the cell. Adding supplemental KemTRACE® Chromium to the diet provides the additional chromium for insulin receptor activation.
REPRODUCTION
Evaluation of Chromium Propionate on Reproductive Performance of Holstein Cows
A field trial was conducted on an 800-cow Holstein dairy in southeastern Pennsylvania to evaluate the effect of chromium propionate on reproductive performance. An increase in pregnancy rate was observed that was driven by an increase in conception rates.
MILK RESPONSE
KemTRACE® Chromium for Dairy: Milk Response
The research with chromium in dairy cattle since the turn of the century has shown chromium supplementation is beneficial for improving milk yield in transition cows, maintaining milk yield in heat-stressed cows and enhancing reproductive performance in dairy cows.
The Effect of Chromium Propionate on Lactating Jersey Cows in Early to Peak Lactation
A field trial was conducted at a dairy in the Central Valley region of California. Approximately 500 cows in second or greater lactation in the high producing group (60-120 DIM) were used. The objective was to determine if chromium propionate had a benefit to dairy cows in early to peak lactation.
Effects of Chromium Propionate Fed Through the Periparturient Period and Starch Source Fed Postpartum on Productive Performance and Dry Matter Intake of Holstein Cows
Forty-eight Holsteins entering second or greater lactation were used to determine milk production, DMI and metabolic responses to chromium propionate supplementation through the periparturient period and starch source in postpartum.
HEAT STRESS
KemTRACE® Chromium for Dairy: Heat Stress
Heat stress can compromise a lactating cow's performance in many different ways – decreased feed intake, altered metabolism, reduced milk production, impaired reproductive performance and increased disease incidence. In the U.S., approximately $1 billion is lost annually as a result of poor performance during periods of heat stress. The inability of a cow to dissipate heat effectively compromises their ability to function normally all the way down to the molecular level.
Evaluation of Chromium Propionate on Milk Production of Holstein Cows under Heat Stress Conditions
A field trial was conducted on a Holstein dairy in southeastern Pennsylvania to evaluate the effect of chromium propionate on milk yield by 2nd lactation and greater cows under heat stress conditions.
Literature Review: The Potential Benefits of Chromium Supplementation for Dairy Cows During Heat Stress
Effect of chromium supplementation in lactating dairy cow diets on response in daily milk yield and dry matter intake, lbs/h/d under heat stress conditions.
Impact of Heat Stress on Fertility in Dairy Cattle
Learn more about the many ways heat stress can compromise a lactating cow's performance.
Leaky Gut's Contribution to Inefficient Nutrient Utilization
There are a variety of situations in an animal's life when nutrient utilization is re-prioritized from productive towards agriculturally unproductive purposes. Two well-known examples that markedly reduce production are heat stress and ketosis. Decreased feed intake, experienced during both diseases, is unable to fully explain decreases in productivity. Additionally, both diseases are characterized by negative energy balance, body weight loss, inflammation and hepatic steatosis.
Heat Stress and Heat Abatement Tips for Dairies
Learn more about heat stress management and strategies to help mitigate the effects of heat stress.
Heat Stress Biology: Practical Management and Nutritional Strategies
There are a variety of situations in an animal's life when nutrient utilization is re-prioritized from productive towards agriculturally unproductive purposes. Two well-known examples that markedly reduce production are heat stress and ketosis. Decreased feed intake, experienced during both diseases, is unable to fully explain decreases in productivity. Additionally, both diseases are characterized by negative energy balance, body weight loss, inflammation and hepatic steatosis. While the metabolism of ketosis and heat stress have been thoroughly studied for the last 40 years, the initial insult in the cascade of events ultimately reducing productivity in both heat stressed and ketotic cows has not been identified. The focus of the presentation is to review practical management strategies that can be used to help mitigate the impact of heat stress.
Effects of Heat Stress on Gut Health and Immune System Nutrient Requirements
Heat stress and ketosis reduce efficiency. Decreased feed intake experienced during both situations is unable to fully explain the suboptimal productivity. Heat stress and ketosis affect herds of all sizes and almost every dairy region of the U.S. Dr. Baumgard hypothesizes the common etiological origin of both metabolic disorders as "leaky gut." Leaky gut and the resulting endotoxin infiltration alter nutrient partitioning and is a causative agent in metabolic disruption during heat stress and ketosis. Identifying dietary approaches that can improve gut barrier dysfunction is paramount in developing nutritional strategies aimed at improving intestinal health.
IMMUNITY
KemTRACE® Chromium for Dairy: Immunity
KemTRACE® Chromium is a highly bioavailable, organic source of chromium that helps stabilize insulin receptors in cattle. This improves glucose utilization for increased energy and proper cell function, resulting in better immunity.
Effects of Chromium Propionate Supplementation on Immunity and Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cows during the Periparturient Period
A study was conducted with sixty-one (61) multiparous Holstein cows to determine the effects of chromium propionate supplementation during the periparturient period and early lactation on immunity and subclinical endometritis.
Estimating Glucose Requirements of an Activated Immune System in Lactating Holstein Cows
Dairy cows experience frequent immune challenges, as bacterial insults can originate from many different situations. Economic consequences of sickness are decreased milk, inefficient feed utilization, poor reproduction and increased health costs. An activated immune system requires energy in the form of glucose and the literature suggests glucose homeostasis is disrupted during an endotoxin challenge.
QUALITY & SAFETY
KemTRACE® Chromium Quality & Safety
The first of its kind. The first in its class. KemTRACE® Chromium – the first product of its kind on the market – is a safe, proven trace mineral for use in swine, dairy, beef and broiler operations. It has been fed to millions of animals around the world since its introduction in 2000. KemTRACE Chromium is registered in more than 30 countries and is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-reviewed form of chromium propionate.
Kemin Helps Customers Avoid Risk by Focusing on Traceability, Quality Measures
Federal regulations, food recalls and front page headlines have dramatically increased the importance of ingredient safety and supplier accountability in the global food chain. Producers must now consider the immeasureable financial impact and irreparable damage to reputation that compromised ingredients and supplier uncertainty can have on their operation. With every purchasing decision, a producer must weigh the importance of brand credibility and confidence in sourcing consistent, high-quality ingredients.
KemTRACE® Chromium: Commitment to Quality
Ingredient quality control is at the forefront of helping customers avoid unnecessary risk. Kemin utilizes standard operating procedures for supplier and ingredient certifications/approvals prior to purchase and use of ingredients. Understanding the importance of high consumer confidence and the impact of the Food Safety Modernization Act, Kemin pursued, received and maintains the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 for its manufacturing facility in Des Moines, Iowa.
CHROMIUM IN THE NEWS
Progressive Dairyman: Minimizing the Negative Effects of Stress on Herd Health and Productivity
Understanding the relationship between stress, immunity and reproductive herd health is paramount to discovering nutritional management best practices for your dairy herd. Chromium supplementation primarily acts to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the release of stress hormones, both of which enhance reproductive health.
Progressive Dairyman: An Update on Chromium
Ohio State researchers list the following nine trace minerals as being needed by dairy cattle: chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc. Chromium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism by stabilizing insulin receptors that allow glucose to enter the cell.
Dairy Business: Chromium Supplementation in Dairy Cattle Diets
Learn about how the addition of chromium can enhance milk production, fertility, immunity and the producer's bottom line.
Feedstuffs: Can Chromium Help with Insulin Sensitivity?
Supplemental chromium increases the sensitivity of body tissues, enhancing glucose uptake. It reduces mobilization of fat, lowering blood NEFA levels.
Progressive Dairyman: Get to know about Supplementing Chromium: Metabolic Effects and Potential Benefits
Supplementation of dairy cattle diets with chromium propionate has considerable potential to improve glucose and NEFA metabolism, dry matter intake and milk yield, particularly in transition cows. Improvements in glucose and NEFA metabolism also have implications for better reproduction and reduced health incidences.
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Kemin Encapsulation Technology
For more than 30 years, Kemin has invested in technology that’s revolutionized encapsulation, improving the way animal nutrition products are manufactured. Technology is only as effective as the people who build it. The Kemin team includes pioneers in encapsulation and highly trained experts who create the best products, which bring the best value for our customers. The combination of commercial feeding experience, in vitro and in vivo studies, on-farm data and quality control testing is unmatched. This results in a consistent, concentrated and cost-effective product. Take a closer look at our proprietary GEM and MicroPEARLS® technologies by watching the following video.
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