Performance and ruminal protozoa in lambs with chromium supplementation
2011
Dallago, B.S.L. | McManus, C.M. | Caldeira, D.F. | Lopes, A.C. | Paim, T.P. | Franco, E. | Borges, B.O. | Teles, P.H.F. | Correa, P.S. | Louvandini, H.
The effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) oral supplementation on the performance and ruminal protozoa population in sheep was investigated. Twenty-four male lambs were treated with four different levels of CrPic: placebo, 0.250, 0.375 and 0.500mg of chromium/animal/day during 84days. The base ration was Panicum maximum cv Massai hay and concentrate. Feed intake was measured three times a week. Lambs were weighed every 2weeks. Ruminal content was sampled five times during the trial to quantify ruminal protozoa. No difference (p>0.05) between treatments was recorded for any parameter measured: initial and final mean body weight, dry matter intake, daily gain and total body weight gain. There was a negative linear relationship between Cr supplementation and protozoa count (p=0.0013) with no additional decrease when CrPic supplemental levels were higher than 0.375mg/day. Therefore, Cr supplementation must be carried out carefully and more studies need to address stressed animals or possible toxic effects of Cr in the animal itself or to the ruminal protozoa population.
اظهر المزيد [+] اقل [-]الكلمات المفتاحية الخاصة بالمكنز الزراعي (أجروفوك)
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