Chromium as a tool against heat stress

摘要

A study in India by SUDIPTO HALDAR and TAPAN K. GHOSH* indicates that supplementation of chromium in the form of chromium picolinate may be an effective tool for alleviating heat stress in nutritionally restricted broiler chickens. Reducing stress inpoultry remains a topic of concern amongst producers and scientists. An increased concentration of glucose in blood and a decreased protein level are associated with stress induction along with an increase in circulatory cortisol level. A temperature >30°C represents a heat-stressed condition for birds and is one of the most common stressors that affect the production criteria in poultry in the Indian subcontinent. Methods to alleviate the effect of heat stress focus on manipulating the diet. Trivalent chromium (Cr~(3+)) may be used as a tool to handle such stress situation. Recommendation with regards to the exact inclusion level of Cr in diet is not yet available.